The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the rescue and repatriation of 28 Ghanaian nationals, mostly young people, from a human trafficking network operating in Côte d’Ivoire following a coordinated cross-border security operation.
In a statement issued on Sunday, May 10, the Ministry disclosed that the victims were rescued through a joint operation involving security operatives and officials from the Embassy of Ghana in Abidjan.
“Twenty-eight Ghanaian nationals, predominantly youth, who were victims of a sophisticated human trafficking network have been rescued and repatriated to Ghana after a successful operation conducted by security operatives and officials of the Embassy of Ghana in Abidjan,” the statement said.
According to the Ministry, the rescued victims have safely returned to Ghana and are currently assisting security agencies with ongoing investigations into the trafficking syndicate.
“The rescued human trafficking victims are safely in Ghana and currently assisting with further investigations,” the Ministry added.
Government also commended the Ivorian authorities for their cooperation and support during the operation.
“The Government of Ghana conveys commendations to Ivorian authorities for the effective collaboration and shared intelligence,” the statement noted.
The Ministry further cautioned the public about the growing activities of trafficking networks that continue to target vulnerable young people with false promises of employment and travel opportunities abroad.
“Ghanaians are hereby advised to be extra vigilant and avoid becoming victims of such trafficking schemes,” the Ministry warned.
It urged citizens to verify all recruitment and travel offers through official institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment Relations, and Ghana’s diplomatic missions abroad.
“The public is encouraged to confirm the validity of any advertisement or offer to avoid falling prey,” the statement stressed.
The government, under President John Dramani Mahama, reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling human trafficking networks and ensuring that perpetrators are prosecuted.
