Key Points
- Nigerian woman jailed for human trafficking in Ghana.
- Victims forced into sex work under threats and abuse.
- HIV-positive victim was denied treatment and assaulted.
A Ghanaian court has sentenced a 32-year-old Nigerian woman, Patience Gold, to 20 years in prison for trafficking four women—including an HIV-positive victim—from Nigeria to Ghana for forced prostitution.
Gold lured her victims from Benue State with false promises of bar jobs at her drinking spot in Asanka-Moscato. But upon arrival, she forced them into prostitution, using threats, rituals, and abuse to maintain control.
The court heard that Gold forcibly shaved their pubic hair, removed their fingernails, and made them swear deadly oaths to prevent escape.
One of the victims revealed she was already pregnant. Gold administered a herbal concoction that led to an illegal abortion.
Another victim, diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, was relocated to another area to avoid public backlash but was still exploited for sex work.
Nigerian woman jailed for human trafficking in Ghana
During court proceedings, Assistant Superintendent of Police Samuel Ahiabor detailed how Gold controlled the victims and took all their earnings.
When one victim handed her GH¢300, Gold assaulted her and seized her HIV medication, worsening the abuse.
The victims eventually escaped and reported the abuse to Asankrangwa Police Station. Gold was arrested and convicted on four counts—human trafficking, illegal abortion, assault, and prostitution. The sentences will run concurrently, with a maximum of 20 years to be served.
This conviction underscores the risks many vulnerable Nigerian women face under traffickers disguising exploitation as opportunity.
Repeat offences highlight deepening trafficking crisis
Gold’s case is not isolated. In 2024, the Asokwa Circuit Court in Kumasi sentenced another Nigerian woman, Rose Ikem, to five years in prison for trafficking young girls into sex work. Ikem was also ordered to pay GH¢24,000 to her victims.
The growing number of similar convictions reflects the severity of cross-border human trafficking between Nigeria and Ghana.
Authorities urge stricter enforcement and transnational collaboration to dismantle trafficking networks and protect vulnerable women and girls from exploitation.
