Two Nigerians have been sentenced to 18 years in prison, with each receiving nine years of hard labor, for trafficking two young women into prostitution under the pretense of offering them domestic jobs in Ghana.
The convicted individuals, Jessica Daniel, a 24-year-old hairdresser, and Kelvin Johnson, a 30-year-old Bitcoin trader, were found guilty of conspiracy and human trafficking after a trial led by Judge Akosua Anokyewaa Adjepong on April 29, 2025.
The charges were based on the Human Trafficking Act and the Criminal Offences Act.
The case began when Chief Calistus Elozipuwa from the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation reported that he rescued two women, Gloria Vincent, 20, and Gloria Igbetar, 25, who were forced into prostitution in Accra.
The victims stated they were misled by Jessica Daniel, who promised them jobs, while Kelvin Johnson facilitated their travel and kept them in an apartment where they were exploited. Jessica demanded GH¢8,000 from each victim for their release, hiding her involvement due to fear of retaliation, while Kelvin collected the money and gave it to her.
The victims suffered severe mistreatment, which included being coerced into swearing oaths on a Bible and having their pubic hair forcibly cut—actions designed to instill fear and compel obedience.
The court discovered that both women ultimately paid the full sums demanded by their traffickers.
Following their arrest by the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Ghana Police Service, in collaboration with the NGO Our Rescue Ghana, Jessica and Kelvin admitted to trafficking the victims from Nigeria to Ghana for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
Despite their not guilty pleas, the prosecution presented compelling evidence, including testimonies from three witnesses.
A pregnancy test conducted on Jessica prior to sentencing returned negative results. During sentencing, Her Honour Adjepong acknowledged their status as first-time offenders and considered the duration they had already spent in custody. Nevertheless, she underscored the gravity of the crime, the psychological harm inflicted on the victims, and the absence of remorse displayed by the defendants. Meanwhile, law enforcement continues to investigate in order to locate and apprehend additional suspects associated with the trafficking network. DSP William Ayariga, the head of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, commended the court’s decision and reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to combating human trafficking in Ghana. He remarked, ‘Ghana is not a safe haven for human traffickers. This should act as a warning—those who exploit vulnerable individuals in Ghana will face harsh legal repercussions. They may attempt to evade justice, but they will not succeed.’ He also noted that in 2024, the unit secured nine convictions, including a historic 20-year sentence, the longest ever imposed under the Human Trafficking Act.
“We are unwavering in our efforts,’ DSP Ayariga emphasized. ‘We will continue to arrest, investigate, and prosecute offenders. Ghana will not accept any form of human trafficking or migrant smuggling. Justice will ultimately prevail.