Alleged Traffickers

Ghanaian police, in collaboration with Interpol and Nigerian authorities, have successfully rescued 76 Ghanaian nationals—predominantly young men—who were trafficked from Accra to Nigeria under a complex fraudulent recruitment scheme.

Victims were deceived with offers of football contracts, overseas employment, or visa facilitation. Upon arrival in Nigeria, their phones and travel documents were confiscated. They were forced to remain in cramped, unsanitary conditions and coerced into contacting family members to solicit around US $1,000 each for so-called training fees. Traffickers also exploited their contact lists to conduct scams targeting loved ones.

Ghana’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), led by Lydia Yaako Donkor, confirmed that the rescue took place between May 19 and June 27, following intelligence shared by INTERPOL NCB Accra. While the rescued have not yet returned home, they are receiving support and protection through Ghana’s diplomatic efforts.

Authorities have since arrested seven Ghanaian nationals suspected of involvement in the trafficking operation. Investigators are working to dismantle the broader network backing the scheme.

Donkor highlighted the psychological and economic toll on the victims and their families, noting cases of malnutrition and trauma among those recovered. The traffickers reportedly forced victims to recruit others under threats, exacerbating the scale of the operation. 

By: TPA News Desk | editor@thepointafricanews.com