Man arrested for attempting to sell his 6-year-old niece for Canada visa

A 30-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly attempting to sell his 6-year-old niece for GH¢150,000 in exchange for a Canadian visa.

The suspect, Nana Kofi Amofa, known as Kofi Yesu, was arrested by the Central East Regional Police Intelligence unit on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Gomoa Buduburam, near Obolo Estate in the Central Region.

Police received information that Amofa intended to sell the young girl to fund his travel to Canada.

Officers posed as potential buyers, and during the transaction, Amofa requested GH¢150,000.

After his arrest, Amofa admitted that the child, his elder brother’s daughter, was his intended victim.

He had invited her to stay with him under the pretext of offering better educational opportunities but planned to exploit her for financial gain.

The child and Amofa have been handed over to the Kasoa Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) for further investigation.

In recent years, pursuing greener pastures and better opportunities abroad has driven many individuals to desperate measures.

The promise of a more prosperous life in countries like Canada, the United States and Europe has led some to make drastic decisions, often involving significant financial risks or illegal activities.

This desperation is fueled by economic challenges, high unemployment rates and the perception of limited opportunities within their home countries.

Such extreme actions highlight the lengths to which individuals are willing to go to secure a better future.