28 Ghanaian human trafficking victims rescued, repatriated from Côte d’Ivoire

Twenty-eight Ghanaian nationals, the majority of them young people, have been rescued from a suspected human trafficking operation in Côte d’Ivoire and safely repatriated to Ghana, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.

According to the Ministry, the victims arrived in Ghana on May 10 after a coordinated rescue mission carried out by Ghanaian security agencies in collaboration with officials from the Ghana Embassy in Abidjan and Ivorian authorities.

In an official statement released in Accra, the Ministry described the operation as successful and revealed that the rescued individuals are currently assisting investigators with efforts to uncover the full extent of the trafficking network and identify those responsible.

The Ministry stated that the victims are providing crucial information to support ongoing investigations aimed at dismantling the criminal syndicate and ensuring the prosecution of the masterminds behind the operation.

Government officials also praised the authorities in Côte d’Ivoire for their strong cooperation, intelligence sharing, and swift support throughout the rescue mission. The Ministry noted that the collaboration between both countries played a key role in securing the safe return of the victims.

The statement further emphasized that the Mahama Administration remains committed to fighting human trafficking and protecting Ghanaian citizens abroad. Authorities assured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also used the opportunity to caution Ghanaians, especially young job seekers, against fraudulent travel opportunities and fake employment offers often promoted by unlicensed recruitment agencies and criminal networks.

Citizens were advised to verify all travel arrangements and overseas job opportunities with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment Relations, or Ghana’s diplomatic missions before making any commitments.

The Ministry reiterated that the safety and welfare of Ghanaians both at home and abroad remain a top national priority.