The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has secured conviction in a major human trafficking case involving Precious Gold Okafor, a 30-year-old Nigerian national, who has been operating as a sex trafficker in Ghana.

 

The conviction was secured at the High Court, Criminal Division, Accra, following the conclusion of a case that involved multiple charges including human trafficking, trading in prostitution, and money laundering, contrary to the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694) as amended, the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), and the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044).

 

 On 30th May 2024, the Office, received a petition from an NGO in Nigeria through its Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, requesting assistance in arresting an alleged trafficker operating in Ghana. The petition stated that the victim had been lured from Nigeria to Ghana under the false promise of employment as a hotel staff member. However, upon her arrival, she was transported to Tarkwa, Western Region, where she was forced into prostitution. EOCO immediately launched investigations, leading to the rescue of the victim.

 

During her statement, the accused, Precious Gold Okafor, admitted to facilitating the victim's travel and confirmed taking her to a shrine to swear an oath of loyalty. She also confessed to misleading the victim about the nature of the employment in Ghana.

 

Further investigations revealed that Okafor is notorious in Tarkwa for trafficking young women from Nigeria to engage in prostitution. She was also found in possession of GHC20, 000, believed to be proceeds from her illegal activities. EOCO's investigation and swift action led to her being arraigned before the High Court, where she was convicted on all charges.

 

This case marks a significant victory in the Office's ongoing efforts to combat transnational organised crime, protect vulnerable individuals, and uphold the rule of law. EOCO remains committed to working closely with both local and international partners in the fight against human trafficking and organised criminal networks.