The Ghana Police Service has arrested 186 suspects in an intelligence-led operation across parts of the Ashanti Region, targeting a suspected transnational organised crime network involved in human trafficking, sexual exploitation, narcotics trafficking and other criminal activities.
A statement issued by the Ashanti Regional Police Public Affairs Unit on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, said the operation was conducted jointly by the Inspector-General of Police's Special Operations Team (SOT) and the Ashanti Regional Police Command between June 8 and June 17, 2026.
It said the operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering, surveillance, target profiling and operational planning.
The statement explained that the exercise targeted suspected criminal networks operating in Asafo, Kenyase Aframa, Asokwa, Buokrom, Krofrom, Atonsu-Bokuro, Asawase and Old Tafo Ahenbronum.
According to the police, the suspects comprise 86 Ghanaians, 96 Nigerians and four Togolese nationals.
The statement said one of the major breakthroughs came on June 9, 2026, when officers arrested a suspect identified as Gladys Ibrahim, also known as "Mama Gee", at Kenyase Aframa.
She was arrested together with 96 Nigerian nationals and four Togolese nationals.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are linked to a transnational criminal network allegedly involved in human trafficking, sexual exploitation, narcotics trafficking and other organised criminal activities.
The police said several people believed to be victims of exploitation were rescued during the operation.
It said some of those rescued were minors who were immediately separated from the suspects and placed under protective care in line with child protection procedures.
The statement added that foreign nationals identified as victims were being processed in conjunction with the Ghana Immigration Service to facilitate the necessary immigration and repatriation procedures.
The police said investigations were continuing to identify and arrest other members of the alleged criminal network.
It added that all the suspects remain in custody or are assisting with investigations.
The statement commended the work of the Special Operations Team and the Ashanti Regional Police Command during the operation.
It added that intelligence-led operations against organised crime would continue as part of efforts to protect the public.
