By Leo Nelson
The Government of Ghana has successfully rescued and repatriated 28 Ghanaian nationals who were victims of a sophisticated human trafficking network operating in Côte d’Ivoire. The operation, carried out on 10 May 2026, involved coordinated efforts between security operatives and officials of the Ghana Embassy in Abidjan.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the victims, predominantly young people, were safely returned to Ghana after what authorities described as a carefully executed rescue mission. The individuals are currently assisting security agencies with ongoing investigations into the trafficking syndicate.
The Ministry expressed appreciation to Ivorian authorities for their cooperation and intelligence sharing, which contributed significantly to the success of the operation.
Government Response and Ongoing Investigations
The Foreign Affairs Ministry stated that the government remains committed to dismantling criminal trafficking networks and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice. It further assured the public that the welfare of Ghanaian citizens remains a top priority under the current administration.
Officials indicated that the rescued individuals are in safe custody and are being supported as investigators work to unravel the full structure of the trafficking network. Authorities believe the syndicate is sophisticated, with cross border operations targeting vulnerable young people.
The government also used the opportunity to caution the public, especially young people, to be vigilant against deceptive recruitment schemes promising employment and travel opportunities abroad.
Minister’s Account of the Rescue
Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa provided additional details on the operation, confirming that 28 Ghanaians had been successfully brought back home after being deceived by traffickers.
He explained that the victims were promised opportunities in Europe after paying substantial sums of money to the traffickers. Instead, they were exploited and left stranded in Côte d’Ivoire under precarious conditions.
“We have successfully rescued and repatriated 28 Ghanaians from Côte d’Ivoire who were victims of a sophisticated human trafficking network.
“All 28 Ghanaians had been promised paradise in Europe by the traffickers after extorting huge sums of money from them. Thankfully, they are back in Ghana safely following our special operation.”
Minister Ablakwa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting citizens abroad and preventing further exploitation by criminal networks.
Public Advisory on Recruitment Scams
The Ministry has issued a strong advisory to the public to exercise caution when dealing with unlicensed recruitment agencies. It warned that many trafficking networks disguise themselves as legitimate employment agents, offering attractive job opportunities abroad that often turn out to be fraudulent.
Citizens have been urged to verify all job offers and travel-related advertisements with relevant government institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment Relations, and Ghana’s diplomatic missions overseas.
Officials stressed that such verification is necessary to prevent more young people from falling victim to similar schemes. The Mahama Administration has reiterated its determination to intensify efforts against human trafficking networks operating within and outside Ghana.
Government officials noted that collaboration with international partners will remain central to disrupting these criminal operations. Authorities emphasized that the recent rescue demonstrates both the effectiveness of diplomatic coordination and the importance of intelligence sharing between countries.
The Ministry further encouraged citizens to report suspicious recruitment activities and remain cautious of offers that appear too good to be true, especially those requiring upfront payments.
The successful repatriation of 28 Ghanaian victims from Côte d’Ivoire highlights both the persistent threat of human trafficking and the government’s ongoing response to combat it. While the rescued individuals return home safely, authorities continue to pursue those responsible for orchestrating the scheme.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Ghanaian citizens and preventing further exploitation, while urging the public to remain alert and informed about the tactics used by trafficking networks.