Nigerian Woman Sentenced to 20 Years in Ghana for Trafficking and Forcing Women into Prostitution

A 32-year-old Nigerian woman, Patience Gold, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by the Tarkwa Circuit Court in Ghana after being found guilty of trafficking four young women from Nigeria into Ghana and forcing them into prostitution. One of the victims is reported to be living with HIV.

The verdict, delivered by Judge Hathia Manu, followed a thorough trial during which Gold was convicted on multiple charges including human trafficking, illegal abortion, assault, and engaging in prostitution. While each charge carried its own sentence—20 years for human trafficking, five years for illegal abortion, and two months each for assault and prostitution—the court ruled that the sentences would run concurrently, meaning Gold will serve a maximum of 20 years behind bars.

According to Graphic Online, a Ghanaian news outlet that reported on the case, the disturbing events took place between March 22 and 27, 2025, when Gold trafficked the victims from Benue State in Nigeria to Asanka–Moscato, a town in Ghana, under the pretense of offering them employment as bar attendants at her drinking spot.

However, upon their arrival, the women quickly discovered that the promise of legitimate work was a ruse. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Samuel Ahiabor, who presented the facts of the case in court, revealed that Gold coerced the victims into prostitution. When the young women resisted her demands, she allegedly resorted to psychological and physical abuse to force compliance.

“Gold shaved their pubic hair and cut off their fingernails under duress. She then forced them to take an oath, warning them that they would go mad if they failed to work as sex workers and repay the money she claimed to have spent on them,” ASP Ahiabor told the court.

Under extreme fear and coercion, the victims complied with her demands, and Gold is reported to have collected all the money they earned through sex work. The abuse did not stop there.

Nigerian Woman Forces Abortion, Exploits HIV Victim for Profit

One of the trafficked women was pregnant before being brought to Ghana. On March 28, 2025,Gold gave her a herbal concoction, resulting in an illegal abortion. This act led to additional criminal charges.

In another incident, on March 12, one of the victims fell ill and was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS after being taken to a hospital. Fearing that the victim’s medical condition would become known in Asanka-Moscato and damage her reputation or business, Gold relocated the woman to a different area where she was forced to continue engaging in prostitution. Gold continued to collect all her earnings despite knowing her HIV-positive status.

The situation escalated on March 25, when Gold visited the new location to collect money from the same HIV-positive victim. After receiving GH¢300, she reportedly became angry over the amount and physically assaulted the woman, causing visible injuries to her face. In an even more alarming act, Gold confiscated the victim’s antiretroviral medication provided by the hospital before leaving.

That violent outburst became the catalyst for the victims to take action. Encouraged by each other and driven by desperation, the four young women walked to the Asankrangwa Police Station, where they bravely recounted their horrifying ordeal to authorities. Gold was arrested shortly thereafter and formally charged.

This case highlights a growing concern over cross-border human trafficking between Nigeria and Ghana. While this incident is particularly severe, it is not an isolated one.

In 2024, a similar case saw another Nigerian woman, Rose Ikem, sentenced by the Asokwa Circuit Court in Kumasi to five years’ imprisonment with hard labour. She was found guilty of trafficking girls from Nigeria to Konongo, in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, for the purpose of prostitution. Ikem was also ordered to pay GHC24,000 in compensation to her four victims, with each receiving GHC6,000.

Both cases underscore the urgent need for cross-border cooperation, tougher enforcement of human trafficking laws, and greater support for survivors of exploitation. As regional migration continues, law enforcement agencies and governments in West Africa are being urged to strengthen measures to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable populations.