The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that 28 Ghanaian citizens, primarily young individuals, have been rescued from a human trafficking operation in Côte d’Ivoire and returned to Ghana as a result of a coordinated cross-border security initiative.
In a press release issued on Sunday, May 10, the Ministry remarked: “Twenty-eight (28) Ghanaian citizens, mainly youth, who fell victim to a complex human trafficking network have been rescued and brought back to Ghana following a successful operation carried out by security personnel and officials from the Embassy of Ghana in Abidjan.”
It further stated that the victims are now safely in Ghana and are cooperating with security agencies in ongoing investigations.
“The rescued victims of human trafficking are now secure in Ghana and are currently aiding in further investigations,” the Ministry indicated.
Authorities expressed gratitude to their Ivorian counterparts for their involvement in the operation. “The Government of Ghana extends its appreciation to Ivorian authorities for their effective collaboration and shared intelligence,” the statement highlighted.
The Ministry cautioned that trafficking networks persist in targeting vulnerable young individuals with fraudulent job and travel offers. “Ghanaians are hereby urged to exercise heightened vigilance and to avoid becoming victims of such trafficking schemes,” it advised.
It also encouraged the public to verify recruitment and travel opportunities through official channels, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment Relations, and Ghana’s diplomatic missions abroad.
“The public is urged to confirm the legitimacy of any advertisement or offer to prevent falling victim,” the Ministry stated.
The government, under the Mahama administration, reiterated its commitment to dismantling trafficking syndicates and prosecuting those accountable.
“The welfare of all Ghanaians remains our highest priority,” the statement concluded.
