Forced Prostitution in Ghana: FG Initiates Investigation, Enforces Ban on Lodging Underage Girls in Hotels

The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a probe into a disturbing incident involving 10 Nigerian teenagers trafficked to Ghana for prostitution. Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, announced the investigation following the circulation of a viral video highlighting the plight of the teenagers, three of whom are siblings aged between 15 and 16.

Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, confirmed that the girls were rescued thanks to a tip-off from the NIDO Ghana chapter. The swift action underscores the seriousness with which the Nigerian government is addressing the issue of human trafficking.

In response to this incident, Kennedy-Ohanenye has issued a stern warning to hotel operators, prohibiting the lodging of underage girls in their establishments. She emphasized that any hotel found violating this directive would face severe sanctions.

The minister made these remarks during the ‘Unlock Training and Grants’ ceremony in Abuja, an event organized by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Education, Abiola Arogundade. At the ceremony, 200 young entrepreneurs were awarded N100 million in grants.

“Nigeria must be better. From June 20th, hotels are directed to display a sign from the Ministry of Women Affairs stating ‘No lodging of underage girls’. The repercussions of ignoring this directive will be severe, particularly in the FCT,” Kennedy-Ohanenye asserted. She also highlighted the broader issue of women’s suffering in Nigeria and the necessity to alleviate the pressures faced by the poor.

Kennedy-Ohanenye referenced the viral video of the trafficked girls, assuring that decisive action would be taken. “You will hear about our action first thing on Monday morning. That is the first thing I am going to approach and see what we can do about it,” she stated.