The Central East Regional Police Intelligence Department has arrested one suspect and rescued 46 victims, including a child, who were trafficked from several African countries to Ghana.

The victims, comprising nationals from Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Togo, and other French-speaking countries, were allegedly lured to Ghana under the pretext of being assisted to travel abroad.

Police sources say the victims were held captive in a heavily fortified house located at Royal City, a suburb of Gomoa Buduburam, where traffickers reportedly extorted large sums of money from them and their families.

Residents in the area described the rescue operation as dramatic, indicating that police officers disconnected an electric fence surrounding the house and climbed over the wall to gain access to the premises.

A family member of one of the victims disclosed that the suspects had demanded money after forcibly holding the victims, only for relatives to later realise they had fallen prey to a trafficking scam.

Confirming the operation, the Central East Regional Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Victor Dosoo, said one suspect has been arrested in connection with the case, while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other accomplices.

He added that the rescued victims are currently in police custody and receiving the necessary care, as further investigations continue.

Police have cautioned the public to be vigilant against trafficking syndicates that lure victims with promises of overseas travel and employment.