By: Alexander Afriyie
A 32-year-old Nigerian woman, known as Madam Gold, has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Tarkwa Circuit Court for her involvement in human trafficking and prostitution. According to reports, Madam Gold trafficked four young women from Nigeria to Ghana, forcing them to engage in commercial sex work.
The court heard that Madam Gold subjected the women to physical and emotional abuse, including forcibly shaving their pubic hair and removing their fingernails. She also made them swear an oath, threatening that if they failed to work as commercial sex workers to repay the money she claimed to have spent on them, they would go mad.
One of the women is reported to have contracted HIV/AIDS while working under Madam Gold’s supervision. Instead of providing her with medical attention, Madam Gold moved her to a different location to continue working, fearing that her condition would deter potential clients.
Additionally, Madam Gold allegedly forced the women to drink concoctions to abort pregnancies, further highlighting the extent of her exploitation and abuse.
This case raises concerns about the growing trend of foreigners being involved in criminal activities in Ghana. While it is essential to note that this incident does not represent the entire foreign community in Ghana, it does highlight the need for increased vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public to combat such crimes.
The sentence handed down to Madam Gold serves as a deterrent to others who may be involved in similar activities. It also underscores the commitment of the Ghanaian judiciary to protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their nationality.