By Lloydson G.Flomo
MONROVIA, JUNE 9 (LINA) – Liberia’s Minister of Labour, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, has welcomed the conviction and sentencing of Esther Asuaquo, a Nigerian national found guilty of human trafficking by the 7th Judicial Circuit Court in Grand Gedeh County.
The court sentenced Asuaquo to ten years’ imprisonment after prosecutors proved that she trafficked young victims under false promises of employment by bringing them to Liberia to work in a beauty salon instead, she allegedly transported the victims to an illegal gold mining site where they were coerced into prostitution for her financial benefit.
According to court records, the three female victims were allegedly transported and later forced into exploitative conditions for financial gain.
Minister Kruah described the ruling as an important victory in Liberia’s fight against human trafficking, noting that the conviction demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable people and ensuring that traffickers are brought to justice.
The Labour Minister emphasized that the case represents one of several successful prosecutions undertaken by Liberian authorities in recent months.
He highlighted ongoing efforts by the National Human Trafficking Taskforce and law-enforcement agencies to investigate trafficking networks and strengthen protection for victims.
Speaking after the sentencing, Kruah pledged that the government would continue to intensify anti-trafficking measures through stronger law enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and cooperation among security institutions, labour inspectors, civil society organizations, and international partners.
He also praised the work of the courts, police, and other agencies involved in the prosecution, stressing that coordinated action is essential to combating human trafficking across the country.
The minister reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to preventing trafficking, protecting victims, and prosecuting offenders, adding that the government remains determined to create a safer environment for all citizens, especially women and children who are most vulnerable to exploitation.
Authorities say the sentencing sends a clear message that human trafficking will not be tolerated and that those who engage in such crimes will face the full force of the law.
Kruah, who is also the chairman of the National Human Trafficking Task-Force of Liberia stated that the Taskforce remains committed to reducing trafficking in persons in Liberia through the strict enforcement of anti-trafficking laws and increased prosecution of alleged traffickers.
He emphasized that the Government will continue to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement institutions, including the Liberia National Police, Labor inspectors, and other members of the joint security apparatus, to ensure their active participation in the fight against trafficking in persons.
The Minister also commended Liberia’s development partners for their continued cooperation and support in combating human trafficking, noting the significant progress being made by the Government in the arrest and prosecution of alleged traffickers.