Ghana Immigration Service rescues 112 suspected trafficking victims in Asankragwa operation
via GhanaWeb1 min read
The Ghana Immigration Service GIS has repatriated 105 foreign nationals after an intelligence-led operation in Asankragwa on May 20, 2026, rescued 112 suspected trafficking victims. The raid, conducted by the Asankragwa Sector Command, targeted premises associated with commercial sex activities. Initial screening identified 110 Nigerians, one Beninese, and one Cameroonian, all female and aged between 12 and 38. These individuals were moved to a holding center in the Greater Accra Region for further processing. Investigations by the Anti-Human Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons unit confirmed 105 victims and identified seven suspects. The GIS National Operations Department, in collaboration with relevant embassies and community representatives, facilitated the safe return of the 105 victims. The seven suspects remain under investigation for potential prosecution. Comptroller-General of Immigration, Samuel Basintale Amadu, urged foreign nationals to comply with local laws and reiterated the Service's dedication to combating human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and transnational crime with other security agencies.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Alexander Twum-Barimah, the Deputy Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission NACOC, revealed that the operation to arrest businessman and socialite Abu Trica spanned 12 hours and involved three teams. Speaking on Lawson TV on June 1, 2026, Twum-Barimah urged the public to disregard a viral video of the arrest, clarifying that Abu Trica never stated he wanted his lawyer. He emphasized that a court order was issued for the arrest and that the socialite was not targeted due to hatred from the government. Frederick Kumi, known as Abu Trica, was arrested in December 2025 after being indicted by United States authorities for allegedly running a romance scam network that defrauded elderly American victims of over $8 million. He faced charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. In April 2026, the High Court in Accra granted Abu Trica bail in the sum of GH¢30 million with two sureties, following an extradition request from the United States.
Must ReadAngel Carbonu, former President of the National Graduate Association of Teachers NAGRAT, stated that he declined numerous financial offers aimed at integrating LGBTQ-related content into educational documents during his tenure. In a Facebook video posted on May 31, 2026, Carbonu said he was repeatedly approached with significant monetary inducements to allow LGBTQ sentiments to be subtly incorporated into educational materials. He questioned the motivations behind the substantial international funding and support for LGBTQ advocacy efforts, noting the "verve, the emotion, the willingness and readiness to let out huge sums of money" by supporters worldwide. Carbonu also alleged that meetings hosted by diplomatic missions in Accra, to which he was invited as NAGRAT President, often shifted focus to LGBTQ issues despite having ambiguous initial objectives. He emphasized that the education sector faces more critical issues that warrant greater attention and resources than LGBTQ matters.
Must ReadThe Ghana Tertiary Education Commission GTEC announced on Monday, June 1, 2026, that it no longer recognizes 70 domestic and international universities. This decision was made due to "various quality assurance concerns." The GTEC urged the public to be cautious of certificates awarded by these institutions. The affected universities include 8 from Ghana, 28 from the United States, 6 from India, 3 from the United Kingdom, 5 from Switzerland, 4 from Nigeria, 2 from Zambia, 2 from France, 2 from Mexico, 2 from Liberia, 2 from Italy, and one each from Barbados, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Germany, Andorra, Guyana, and Ireland. One university is also listed as UK/Cyprus. Notable Ghanaian institutions on the list include Debest College of Science, Arts and Business, Faith University Seminary FUS, and Doxa Open University. The list also includes institutions like Atlantic International University USA and London School of Management and Technology UK.
Must ReadGhana's President, John Dramani Mahama, stated that Ghana has become a leading example for economic recovery in Africa. He noted that many are surprised by the country's recovery from the economic challenges inherited from the previous government. President Mahama mentioned that during spring meetings, leaders from other countries are encouraged to learn from Ghana's approach. He indicated that the macro economy is stable and all macro indicators are moving in a positive direction. He further stated that Ghana is now seen as a "poster boy" for economic recovery globally, with other African nations being advised to study Ghana's methods at World Bank and IMF spring meetings. President Mahama expressed that Ghanaians should be proud, not only of the economic performance but also of the progress towards the nation envisioned by its founders.