A growing number of trafficked Nigerian women involved in commercial sex work in Ghana, particularly in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region have recounted harrowing experiences of exploitation, abuse and financial extortion at the hands of their traffickers, amid increasing concerns over the country's sextortion related matters.

The victims, some of whom were recently rescued during coordinated security operations, alleged that traffickers subjected them to harsh living conditions and imposed mandatory daily rent payments of GH¢50 for accommodation, regardless of their earnings.

According to a victim who chose to speak to Sompa TV's Eric Annan on the grounds of unanimity recounted that many of them were lured from various parts of Nigeria with promises of lucrative employment opportunities and a better life in Ghana. 

Upon arrival, however, they reportedly found themselves trapped in exploitative arrangements, deprived of freedom and compelled to engage in commercial sex activities to repay inflated debts and sustain their daily living expenses.

"We were told we would be given decent jobs, but when we arrived, everything changed," she said. "Every day we had to pay GH¢50 for the room. If you couldn't pay, you will be threatened or punished."

The victims claimed that beyond the daily rent demands, traffickers often exercised complete control over their movements, income and communication, making escape extremely difficult. Some alleged that a significant portion of their earnings was confiscated, leaving them with little or no savings despite working long hours.

Security officials investigating the emerging trend have linked some trafficking networks to online sextortion schemes, where vulnerable women are coerced into producing explicit content or engaging in online sexual activities used to extort money from unsuspecting victims across different countries.

Authorities say the convergence of human trafficking and cyber-enabled sexual exploitation presents a growing challenge requiring stronger regional collaboration between Ghanaian and Nigerian law enforcement agencies.

Recent reports indicate that sextortion-related cases have increased significantly in Ghana, prompting cybersecurity and anti-human trafficking stakeholders to intensify public education and enforcement efforts. 

Experts warn that criminal syndicates are increasingly exploiting economic vulnerabilities, migration aspirations and digital platforms to recruit victims and perpetuate exploitation.

These concerns emerge at a time where Ghana is witnessing a worrying rise in online blackmail and sextortion cases. Data from the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) shows that financial losses from sextortion and online blackmail surged to GH¢499,044 between January and April 2025, up sharply from GH¢103,663 recorded during the same period in 2024. 

Anti-human trafficking advocates have however called on government institutions, civil society organizations and international partners to strengthen victim support systems, enhance cross-border intelligence sharing and prosecute perpetrators involved in trafficking and sextortion networks.

They further stressed the need for comprehensive rehabilitation programmes to assist rescued victims with psychosocial support, skills training and reintegration into society.

As investigations continue, the rescued women are appealing to authorities to ensure justice is served and to prevent others from falling prey to similar trafficking schemes.

Their testimonies highlight the human cost behind the growing sextortion crisis and underscore the urgent need for coordinated interventions to dismantle trafficking networks operating within and beyond Ghana's borders.

Sompaonline.com//Eric Annan