Accra: The Government of Ghana is taking significant steps to combat a large-scale human trafficking and scam operation affecting its citizens. In collaboration with Ivorian immigration authorities, efforts are underway to rescue and repatriate over 200 Ghanaians who have been held in secluded locations in Cote d'Ivoire. This is part of a broader initiative to tackle the plight of more than 700 Ghanaians who have fallen victim to a deceptive scheme orchestrated by QNET Group across several West African countries, including Nigeria, Benin, and Togo.
According to Ghana News Agency, the victims were misled by QNET Group under the guise of processing visas and travel documents, promising transit routes through these West African countries to destinations such as France, Canada, Belgium, and Qatar. Mr. Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, disclosed this information during a parliamentary session in response to an urgent query from Mr. Kwaku Buah, the Member of Parliament for Pru East, regarding governmental actions to rescue and repatriate these trafficked Ghanaians.
The minister reported that the government has successfully rescued and repatriated 400 Ghanaians who were trafficked to Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Benin, and Togo since 2021. Currently, over 500 Ghanaians aged between 20 and 40 are being held hostage in Cote d'Ivoire, with an additional 202 in Nigeria. The victims were scammed into paying amounts between GHc18,000 and GHc40,000 with the false promise of having their travel documents processed for international destinations.
Ghana's diplomatic missions in the affected countries are actively collaborating with immigration authorities and Interpol to facilitate the rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for the fraud. Mr. Ablakwa highlighted that the Ghanaian embassies and diplomatic missions are providing necessary consular services to the victims during this challenging time.
To prevent further incidents, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), plans to hold sensitization events from September onwards. These events aim to raise awareness about QNET's fraudulent activities across the country. Despite the ongoing efforts, no arrests have been made yet, and the minister urged the public to report any vital information that could aid in capturing the perpetrators.
