The Western Regional Command of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has successfully executed a two-day operation, led by the Axim Sector Command, resulting in the arrest of 31 individuals on charges of prostitution and human trafficking.
The operation primarily focused on a notorious brothel called Bafana Bafana Resort, situated in the Ellembelle District and Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region.
According to a statement released by the GIS, the operation commenced with a well-planned raid on the Bafana Bafana Resort and surrounding areas, including drinking bars and makeshift structures in the Essiama enclave. This operation led to the detention of suspects ranging in age from 22 to 37 years old.
During the course of the operation, 17 individuals were apprehended, which included the proprietor and manager of the Bafana Bafana Resort, Mr. Kofi Bekoe, aged 62.
Subsequently, in two additional mop-up operations conducted on Saturday evening and Sunday morning, 12 more individuals were taken into custody, including two suspected collaborators in human trafficking.
In total, 28 individuals were identified as suspected prostitutes, with two of them being nursing mothers. The other two detainees are suspected human traffickers, Mr. Ndubueze Okereke, 37, and his wife, Ifeoma Okereke, 35, both of Nigerian nationality, with Mr. Kofi Bekoe being the only Ghanaian among the detained suspects.
Mr. Bekoe was also implicated in a previous arrest related to harbouring foreign nationals engaged in prostitution.
The GIS investigation revealed that all the detainees had entered the country illegally, lacking valid passports or any travel identification documents. Additionally, a search of their persons and the premises led to the discovery of used and unused condoms, primarily within the rooms.
The GIS emphasised that the operation was conducted with the cooperation of local authorities in response to growing concerns over nefarious activities, particularly by certain foreign nationals, and the audacity with which the Bafana Bafana Resort operated.
The arrested individuals are presently in the custody of the Western Regional Command Headquarters for further investigations and potential prosecution. Subsequently, they may be repatriated to their home countries.
The GIS took the opportunity to remind landlords and property owners across the country of the need to comply with relevant immigration laws. It urged them to verify the immigration status of prospective foreign tenants before renting out their properties to prevent illegal activities.
See full statement below: