The Government of Ghana, in collaboration with Ivorian immigration authorities, has launched an urgent operation to rescue and repatriate more than 200 Ghanaians who are being held in isolated locations across Côte d’Ivoire. The individuals are among hundreds deceived by a fraudulent network linked to QNET Group.
According to Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, over 700 Ghanaians are currently stranded or held in captivity across Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Benin, and Togo, after falling victim to a sophisticated scam. The perpetrators lured individuals with false promises of visa processing and travel arrangements to destinations like France, Belgium, Canada, and Qatar. Victims were charged between GH¢18,000 and GH¢40,000 (approx. $1,400–$3,000 USD).
Speaking in Parliament, Minister Ablakwa revealed that since 2021, the government has successfully rescued and repatriated over 400 Ghanaians trafficked through this scheme. However, a significant number remain trapped — with more than 500 still in Côte d’Ivoire and over 200 in Nigeria.
The Foreign Minister emphasized that Ghana’s diplomatic missions in the affected countries are actively working with local immigration services and INTERPOL to track down the human trafficking rings and provide assistance to the victims. Consular support is also being extended through embassies.
To combat future incidents, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), will launch a nationwide public awareness campaign starting September to educate citizens on fraudulent recruitment and travel schemes.
Despite the scale of the operation, no arrests have yet been made. Minister Ablakwa urged the public to provide any credible information that could help bring the perpetrators to justice.
