Human trafficking networks are increasingly targeting Ghanaian girls and young women for sexual exploitation in mining communities, anti-trafficking organisation Challenging Heights has warned.
The organisation made the disclosure after a police-led operation in six trafficking hotspots within mining communities in Goaso in the Ahafo Region between August 30 and September 2, 2026.
The operation, conducted with Challenging Heights and other state agencies, rescued 47 Nigerian nationals and led to the arrest of five suspected traffickers.
Challenging Heights said 26 of those rescued have so far been confirmed as trafficking victims, with at least 16 believed to be between 15 and 18 years old.
The organisation said the operation also uncovered the recruitment of Ghanaian young women for sexual exploitation in the mining communities, alongside Nigerian nationals.
Since 2025, Challenging Heights says it has supported the rescue of 230 Nigerian nationals, including 81 in 2025, 102 during the first half of 2026 and the 47 rescued in the latest Goaso operation.
It said victims are often lured with promises of employment before being subjected to exploitation, debt bondage, threats, violence and financial targets.
Challenging Heights further identified social media platforms, particularly TikTok, as an increasingly used recruitment avenue.
The organisation is calling for stronger Ghana-Nigeria intelligence sharing, closer monitoring of recruitment and migration channels, prosecution of traffickers and improved protection and reintegration support for survivors.
