Nancy Joseph, a 33-year-old Nigerian commercial sex worker, has been sentenced to five years in prison with hard labor for her role in human trafficking. The Tamale Circuit Court, led by Judge Francis Ayamwuni Asobayire, delivered the verdict after Joseph was found guilty of luring two young women from Nigeria under false pretenses.
The victims, aged 22 and 18, were promised jobs in a boutique but were forced into prostitution upon their arrival in Ghana. Joseph controlled their earnings and used manipulative tactics, including threats and curses, to maintain their compliance.
According to the prosecution, Joseph convinced the first victim to travel to Ghana, claiming she had secured employment. Once there, the victim discovered the truth: she was to engage in prostitution and was told she would need to pay Joseph 1 million naira (approximately GHC10,000) to gain her freedom.
After enduring exploitation, the first victim sought help from a good Samaritan, which led to her report to the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit in Tamale. This prompted Joseph’s arrest, during which evidence of her trafficking operations, including a record book of payments from victims, was discovered.
A second victim also came forward, sharing similar experiences of deceit and exploitation at Joseph’s hands. The case highlights the ongoing issue of human trafficking and the vulnerabilities faced by young women seeking better opportunities abroad.
The court’s decision underscores a commitment to addressing such crimes and protecting victims of trafficking in the region.
