Twenty-eight Ghanaians who were trapped in a suspected human trafficking network in Côte d’Ivoire have returned home safely after a coordinated rescue operation involving Ghanaian security agencies and diplomatic officials in Abidjan.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the repatriation, noting that the victims, mostly young people, arrived in Ghana on Sunday, May 10, 2026, following what it described as a carefully executed joint mission with Ivorian authorities.
Joint Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire anti-human trafficking rescue operation
According to the Ministry, the successful operation was made possible through collaboration between security agencies in both countries, alongside the Embassy of Ghana in Abidjan. The coordinated effort led to the safe extraction of all 28 victims from the trafficking network.
Officials say intelligence sharing and cross-border cooperation were key in dismantling the immediate hold of the traffickers and ensuring the victims’ safe return.
Victims lured with false job promises abroad
In a social media post, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said the victims were deceived with promises of better opportunities abroad.
“We have successfully rescued and repatriated 28 Ghanaians from Côte d’Ivoire who were victims of a sophisticated human trafficking network,” he wrote. “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.”
Rescued Ghanaians assisting investigations
The rescued individuals are currently assisting investigators as efforts continue to uncover the full scope of the operation and identify those behind it.
Security agencies are expected to use the testimonies to trace recruitment routes, financial links, and cross-border networks connected to the syndicate.
Government moves to dismantle trafficking networks
The government has assured the public that steps are underway to dismantle the wider trafficking network and bring all perpetrators to justice.
Authorities also commended Côte d’Ivoire for its cooperation, intelligence support, and role in the successful rescue exercise.
Public warned against fake recruitment and travel offers
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is urging the public to exercise caution when responding to recruitment agencies and travel offers promising jobs or opportunities abroad.
Citizens are advised to verify all such offers through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment Relations, or Ghana’s diplomatic missions before committing funds or making travel arrangements.
