Abidjan: Twenty-eight Ghanaian nationals, mostly young people, who fell victim to a human trafficking syndicate in C´te d'Ivoire, have been rescued and repatriated to Ghana following a joint security operation.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a press release issued on Sunday, stated that the victims arrived safely in Ghana on May 10, 2026, after a successful operation involving security operatives and officials of the Ghana Embassy in Abidjan. The rescued individuals are currently assisting with ongoing investigations aimed at dismantling the trafficking network and prosecuting those behind the criminal enterprise.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the general public about the rescue and repatriation of the twenty-eight Ghanaian nationals, predominantly youth, who were victims of a sophisticated human trafficking network. The Ministry commended the Ivorian authorities for their cooperation, support, and intelligence-sharing during the operation, describing the collaboration as effective and timely.
The Ministry assured the public that the Government remains committed to intensifying efforts to combat human trafficking and bring perpetrators to justice. The Mahama Administration has emphasized that all efforts are being deployed to dismantle these criminal networks and bring the masterminds to justice.
The Ministry advised Ghanaians, particularly the youth, to be vigilant and avoid falling prey to fraudulent recruitment schemes and travel offers that promise lucrative jobs abroad. It cautioned the public against dealing with unlicensed recruitment agencies and urged prospective travellers to verify all overseas job and travel opportunities with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment Relations, and Ghana's diplomatic missions abroad.
Human trafficking remains a growing concern across West Africa, with many young people lured by promises of better employment opportunities, only to end up trapped in exploitative conditions. Security analysts have repeatedly warned that organised trafficking syndicates continue to exploit unemployment and economic hardship to recruit vulnerable persons for forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
The Government has intensified cross-border cooperation with neighbouring countries to address trafficking, illegal migration, and transnational organised crime. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare of Ghanaians both at home and abroad, emphasizing that the welfare of all Ghanaians remains a top priority.