Court remands two women into police custody for human trafficking offences

The Ashaiman Circuit Court has remanded two women into the Prison custody for human trafficking offences.

The court presided over by His Honour Mr. Simon Gaga Nketiah refused bail prayer by counsels for A1 and A2, Cassandra Appiah led by Paul Kwaku Danso Amoah on the grounds that the police are yet to arrest alleged accomplices.

The case was adjourned to 19-03-24 for mention. Prosecution; Pw/Chief Inspector Joyce Nyarko presenting D/Inspector F. Yeboah in charge case told the court that complainant Korkor Asem age 72, a trader and grandmother of the victim living in Teshie.

Salomey Tsirapah aged 20 years is a petty trader living in Medie, Ada. A1, Vicentia Koomson aged 37 years is a trader as well. Elizabeth Ofosu and Georgina, both residents of Ashaiman are accomplices now at large.

Victim, Salomey Tsirapah is a friend to A2, Anita Owusu.

Somewhere in the year 2023, the victim who was in a relationship with one Fuseini and became pregnant but same was denied by Fuseini making the victim financially handicapped.

She told the court that A2 approached the victim and convinced her mother that her friends wanted to assist her financially by paying her hospital bills till she delivers.

Based on the firm assurance, the victim accompanied A2 to her house, where she met Elizabeth Ofosu now at large. A1, and Elizabeth Ofosu told the victim that Georgina's sister is in need of a baby and that they would take care of her pregnancy and upon delivery, they would take the baby to her and give the victim money.

On May 5, 2023, A2 together with a tenant in their house took the victim to the Ashaiman Polyclinic to deliver.

In addition, A2 called her mother to the facility.

They then proceeded to a hotel with the baby. On the same day, A1 and A2's mother took the baby girl and gave her to Georgina at Ashaiman Presby Junction and she left with the baby.

Four days later Georgina brought an amount of GHS 18,000.00 to A1 to be given to A2's mother Elizabeth Ofosu for onward delivery to the victim.

Georgina also gave A1 GHS 1,000.00. A1 then sent the said money to Elizabeth Ofosu and they both went to give the victim at the hotel.

Elizabeth Ofosu then informed A2 about what happened.

A2 went to the victim at the hotel and saw the money A1 and her mother had given to the victim and noticed that baby had been sold.

The victim gave GHS 200.00 to A2. A2's mother used part of the money to rent a wooden structure room for the victim and also bought a phone for her. 

About a month ago, victim went and informed complainant's grandmother all what had happened.

On March 3, 2023, victim led her grandmother and brother to Elizabeth Ofosu's house and she directed them to A1's house and they caused her arrest. Complaint was lodged and later A2 was also arrested.

Elizabeth Ofosu managed to escape. Investigations cautioned statements were obtained from A1 and A2. Investigations disclosed further that A1, Elizabeth and Georgina recruited, harbored, coerced and exploited the victim due to her vulnerability and sold her baby.

Again, investigations disclosed that victim told A2 of her mother's plan to sell her baby after delivery and she was fully aware of the mother's plan.

A2 lured the victim to come and stay with the mother for care and after delivery, sold her baby.

The accused persons were charged with the offences and put before the honorable court while efforts are underway to get the accomplices arrested.