NYANYANO, Ghana — In a swift response to a recent investigation exposing the illegal sea turtle trade in Ghana, local authorities have arrested Afua Poma, infamously known as “Maame Turtle,” in connection with the illegal poaching and sale of endangered sea turtles. The arrest, led by police officers Godwin Amezah and Richard Yeboah from the Nyanyano Divisional Police, came just three days after the investigation, spearheaded by Pulitzer ORN Fellow Gideon Sarpong, was published by iWatch Africa.
Afua Poma, whose illegal trading operation was revealed in the investigative report, was found with three newly captured sea turtles in her possession at the time of her arrest, underscoring the urgency of the crisis.
The captured turtles were released back into the ocean after evidence was gathered. In a bid for leniency, Poma pleaded with the police, saying, “I am sorry about this action. Please forgive me. I will not practice this illegal trade again.”
Poma’s arrest marks a significant step in the fight against illegal sea turtle poaching in Ghana, but her partner, Kweku Essien, remains at large. The authorities are continuing their search for Essien, a key player in the illicit trade.
The police have formally charged Afua Poma with illegal possession and trade of protected species under Ghana’s Wildlife Resources Management Act 115, 2023, and she will be arraigned according to the head of the crime unit, ASP Francis Kumi.
Head of Nyanyano’s crime unit, ASP Francis Kumi, also issued a stern warning, reminding the public that the hunting, capture, and trade of sea turtles is strictly prohibited under Ghana’s Wildlife Resources Management Act 1115 (2023), which carries penalties of up to two years in prison or substantial fines for violators.
Gideon Sarpong, whose investigation ignited this crackdown, expressed satisfaction with the swift law enforcement action, stating, “As investigative journalists, our role goes beyond simply telling the story—we strive to spark change. The arrest of Afua Poma following our report is a powerful reminder that shedding light on injustice can lead to real-world action. It’s a victory not just for the sea turtles, but for the entire ocean ecosystem they sustain.”
Read more about the investigation here: The vanishing guardians of Ghana’s oceans: Exposing the sea turtle poaching crisis
This arrest highlights the impact investigative journalism can have in driving real change, particularly in the fight to protect endangered species like sea turtles, which are critical to the health of Ghana’s marine ecosystems.
The original investigation was produced in partnership with the Pulitzer Center’s Ocean Reporting Network. Report by Gideon Sarpong.