A notorious human trafficker known as “Pu**y Mama” has been apprehended by the Buduburam District Police in Ghana after a decade-long escape from law enforcement. This arrest marks a significant development in the fight against human trafficking in West Africa, where many vulnerable individuals fall prey to ruthless traffickers.
“Puy Mama,” a nickname that has become infamous across the region, is accused of trafficking over 3,000 victims, primarily women and girls, from countries such as Nigeria, Liberia, and Togo. The suspect identifies as intersex, possessing both male and female genitalia. Reports indicate that “Puy Mama” employed manipulative tactics to lure victims, often promising them well-paying jobs in Ghana. Unfortunately, once they arrived, many of these women and girls found themselves coerced into prostitution, working in various venues, including hostels and nightclubs in areas like Kasoa and Buduburam.
For ten years, “Puy Mama” managed to elude capture, allegedly claiming to have mystical powers that allowed them to escape from the police repeatedly. Many officers attempted to apprehend the trafficker, but “Puy Mama” always seemed to vanish just moments before law enforcement arrived on the scene. This pattern of evasion contributed to the trafficker’s notoriety and the growing desperation among police and community members to bring them to justice.
The turning point came during one of “Puy Mama’s” operations, where they were attempting to transport another group of young girls from Nigeria to Ghana. Thanks to the vigilance of a young female police officer, “Puy Mama” was apprehended. This arrest was celebrated as a significant victory for the police and human rights advocates, as it not only put an end to the trafficker’s operations but also highlighted the ongoing issue of human trafficking in the region.
Following the arrest, “Puy Mama” was taken to the Kasoa Ofaakor Circuit Court on October 9, 2024. The presiding judge, His Lordship Isaac Oheneba Kuffour, remanded the suspect in police custody, recognizing the seriousness of the allegations. A future court appearance is scheduled for October 18, 2024, where further legal proceedings will take place. Authorities are taking the necessary precautions to ensure that “Puy Mama” does not evade justice once again.
In the wake of the arrest, Sir Emmanuel Azubuike, the Central Regional Chairman for the Nigerian Community and Africa Coordinator for the International Human Rights Observatory, commended the police for their bravery and determination in apprehending “Pu**y Mama.” He acknowledged the numerous past attempts to capture the trafficker and urged the Ghana Police Service and the Chief Justice to remain vigilant to prevent any future escapes.
The case of “Pu**y Mama” shines a light on the larger issue of human trafficking in West Africa. Traffickers often target vulnerable populations, including women and girls, exploiting their dreams of better opportunities in foreign countries. The promises of legitimate work are frequently shattered, leading to a life of exploitation and abuse.
Human trafficking is a growing concern globally, with millions affected each year. Advocacy groups and law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to combat this issue, but challenges remain, including the need for stronger legal frameworks, better victim support systems, and increased public awareness.
