Ghana has initiated investigations into alleged criminal recruitment networks after 272 Ghanaian nationals were reportedly drafted into the Russia-Ukraine conflict. These individuals were lured through fraudulent overseas employment schemes. The government is engaging foreign authorities to identify the affected Ghanaians, assess their welfare, and provide consular assistance.
Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, announced these measures at a media briefing in Accra on Monday. He confirmed that 55 of the reported cases involved Ghanaians who had died, while two others were being held as prisoners of war. Many of the affected Ghanaians responded to advertisements for jobs in construction, hospitality, logistics, and security services, only to be allegedly recruited into the conflict.
This situation fits into a broader pattern of irregular migration and human trafficking that affects Ghana. Criminal networks exploit vulnerable Ghanaians with false promises of employment, education, and business opportunities abroad. This exposes many to trafficking, forced labor, cyber-enabled criminal activities, and other forms of exploitation. The government has intensified public education to encourage prospective migrants to verify overseas employment opportunities before traveling.
Mr. Ablakwa stated that information gathered during his recent visit to Kyiv suggested this recruitment formed part of a broader pattern involving nationals from several African countries. He estimated that about 1,780 African nationals from 36 countries have joined Russian forces. The Ministry is working with relevant foreign authorities to verify identities and welfare, while domestic security agencies investigate the alleged recruitment networks.
The government's response includes strengthening cooperation among national security agencies, international partners, and Ghana’s diplomatic missions. This aims to improve prevention, rescue, repatriation, and public awareness. Mr. Ablakwa urged prospective migrants to verify all overseas employment opportunities before making travel arrangements to avoid falling victim to such schemes.
This issue is part of a larger challenge Ghana faces with fraudulent overseas recruitment. The government has undertaken several consular interventions recently. These include the voluntary repatriation of 638 Ghanaian nationals from Libya through humanitarian return operations. These operations were conducted with the International Organisation for Migration, Libyan authorities, and Ghana’s Embassy in Tripoli. The returnees received health screening, psychosocial support, and reintegration assistance upon arrival in Ghana.
Additionally, 244 Ghanaian nationals were repatriated from Cambodia after being recruited through cyber-enabled employment schemes. The government has also secured waivers of immigration overstay penalties for hundreds of stranded Ghanaians. It continues to work with international partners to facilitate the return of others. These efforts demonstrate the significant resources Ghana allocates to protecting its citizens abroad.
Mr. Ablakwa also raised concerns about alleged trafficking networks linked to the QNET scam operating in parts of West Africa. Investigations indicate victims were persuaded to pay up to US$5,000 on the promise of overseas employment. They then traveled through neighboring countries, where many allegedly had their passports, mobile phones, and money confiscated. They were then pressured to recruit others into the scheme.
Since January 2026, 61 Ghanaian nationals have been rescued from locations in Côte d’Ivoire, with 45 already repatriated. Another 315 Ghanaians returned home following enforcement operations by Ivorian authorities. The government has also facilitated the repatriation of Ghanaian nationals from Togo and Liberia who fell victim to similar schemes. The Ministry is strengthening collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education, the Ghana Immigration Service, the Economic and Organised Crime Office, and the Cyber Security Authority to promote safe and regular migration. This comprehensive approach aims to protect Ghanaian nationals abroad through enhanced international cooperation, intelligence-sharing, victim protection, rescue operations, prosecution of traffickers, and public education on safe migration.