By Amoako Kwame
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says 28 Ghanaian nationals, mainly young people, have been rescued from a human trafficking syndicate in Côte d’Ivoire and returned to Ghana following a joint cross-border security operation.
In a press release issued on Sunday, May 10, the Ministry said the operation involved security operatives and officials of the Ghana Embassy in Abidjan.
“Twenty-eight (28) 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 Ministry further indicated that the rescued individuals are currently safe in Ghana and are supporting ongoing investigations by security agencies.
“The rescued human trafficking victims are safely in Ghana and currently assisting with further investigations,” the Ministry said.
The statement also praised the cooperation of the Ivorian authorities in ensuring the success of the mission. “The Government of Ghana conveys commendations to Ivorian authorities for the effective collaboration and shared intelligence,” the statement noted.
The Ministry cautioned that human trafficking syndicates are still preying on vulnerable young people through fraudulent job and travel opportunities. “Ghanaians are hereby advised to be extra vigilant and avoid becoming victims of such trafficking schemes,” it said.
It also encouraged the public to verify all recruitment and travel-related offers through the appropriate institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment Relations, as well as Ghana’s diplomatic missions overseas.
“The public is encouraged to confirm the validity of any advertisement/offer to avoid falling prey,” the Ministry stated.
The government, under the Mahama administration, reaffirmed its commitment to cracking down on human trafficking networks and ensuring those behind such crimes are prosecuted.
“The welfare of all Ghanaians remains our utmost priority,” the statement concluded.
