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Twenty-eight Ghanaians rescued from a suspected human trafficking network in Côte d’Ivoire have safely returned home following a coordinated rescue operation involving Ghanaian security agencies and officials from the Embassy of Ghana in Abidjan.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the victims, most of whom are young people, arrived in Ghana safely on Sunday, May 10, 2026, after being extracted from the alleged trafficking operation in the neighbouring West African country.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry, the rescue mission was carried out through close collaboration between Ghanaian authorities and security officials in Côte d’Ivoire. The operation also involved support from Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Abidjan, which played a crucial role in facilitating the safe return of the victims.
Government officials described the exercise as a successful example of regional cooperation in tackling cross-border crimes, particularly human trafficking and illegal migration networks that continue to target vulnerable young Africans with false promises of jobs and better opportunities abroad.
The rescued individuals are currently assisting investigators as authorities work to uncover the full details of the trafficking operation and identify the masterminds behind the scheme. Officials believe the syndicate may be part of a larger criminal network operating across several countries in West Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised the Ivorian authorities for their swift response, cooperation and intelligence-sharing throughout the operation.
In its statement, the Ministry urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to similar trafficking schemes, especially those involving suspicious job offers or travel opportunities outside the country.
“Ghanaians are hereby advised to be extra vigilant and avoid becoming victims to such trafficking schemes,” the statement said.
Authorities warned that many traffickers continue to exploit unemployment and economic hardship by advertising fake recruitment opportunities abroad. Victims are often promised high-paying jobs, only to find themselves trapped in exploitative conditions after travelling.
The government further advised citizens to properly verify all recruitment agencies and overseas employment offers before making travel arrangements.
According to the Ministry, Ghanaians should confirm the legitimacy of travel and job opportunities through institutions such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment Relations, and Ghana’s diplomatic missions abroad.
Security agencies have also assured the public that investigations into the trafficking network are ongoing and that efforts are being intensified to dismantle the syndicates involved.
Human trafficking remains a major concern across parts of Africa, with many young people becoming targets of criminal groups operating through fake job advertisements, online recruitment platforms and illegal migration channels.
In recent years, several Ghanaian victims have been rescued from trafficking operations in countries across Africa, the Middle East and Asia, prompting repeated warnings from government agencies and international organisations.
The latest rescue operation highlights the growing need for stronger public awareness, stricter regulation of recruitment agencies and enhanced regional cooperation to combat trafficking and protect vulnerable citizens from exploitation.
Government says it remains committed to ensuring the safety of Ghanaians abroad while continuing efforts to bring those responsible for such criminal activities to justice.
