GIS busts major human trafficking ring in Savannah Region; Nigerian suspect arrested in Clooth galamsey hub

The Ghana Immigration Service has arrested a 34-year-old Nigerian national identified as Prince James (alias Prince Odogunu) in connection with human trafficking operations centred in Clooth, an illegal mining settlement in the Bole District of the Savannah Region. The arrest, executed by the Savannah Regional Command under Deputy Commissioner Lawrence Agyei Agyapong, marks a significant operation against organised trafficking networks exploiting West African women.

Officers travelled over 240 kilometres on motorbikes from Damongo to the remote galamsey hub, where they conducted an ambush operation that led to the suspect's capture. The breakthrough followed intensive intelligence gathering by immigration authorities who had identified Clooth as a criminal hotspot harbouring foreign nationals engaged in illicit activities.

Details of the trafficking operation

Investigators uncovered a sophisticated cross-border syndicate operating across multiple West African nations. A 24-year-old Nigerian victim provided crucial testimony revealing how the trafficking network operates. She explained that she was approached by an agent in Nigeria who promised her a nursing position in Ghana, charging her 300 GHS for placement. Instead of legitimate employment, she was transported through Togo and Benin before crossing into Ghana at the Aflao border.

Once in Ghana, the victim was moved to Accra and subsequently transported to the Savannah Region by the suspect. Upon arrival at Clooth, she discovered the true purpose: she was forced into sex work and demanded to generate six million naira (approximately GH₵50,000) for her traffickers. The victim managed to escape after one client paid 300 GHS to a handler, fleeing into the bush at dawn and making her way to Damongo.

The victim's account indicates that more than 30 other women remain trapped in similar conditions within the Clooth community, held by multiple traffickers operating a coordinated sexual exploitation network.

Why it matters for Ghana

This case exposes a critical vulnerability in Ghana's border security and internal policing related to human trafficking. The Savannah Region, characterised by remote terrain and limited law enforcement presence, has become an operational base for transnational criminal syndicates. The use of galamsey communities as fronts for trafficking demonstrates how illegal mining activities intersect with broader organised crime.

Deputy Commissioner Agyapong's warning to other foreign nationals in Clooth signals intent to expand investigations and arrests. The case also highlights the exploitation of West African women seeking legitimate employment abroad—a common tactic used by traffickers who prey on economic desperation. Ghana, as both a transit and destination country for trafficked persons, faces ongoing pressure to strengthen immigration controls, border management, and victim protection mechanisms.

The victim has been transferred to GIS headquarters along with the suspect for continued investigation and prosecution. Authorities have committed to pursuing remaining members of the trafficking network believed to have fled the area upon news of the arrest.