The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) rescued 85 victims of human trafficking and arrested 17 foreign nationals during an intelligence-led operation. This significant action on July 30, 2026, dismantled a suspected cyber fraud syndicate operating in Dawhenya.
The GIS National Enforcement Team conducted the operation, targeting a facility opposite the China West Mall. This premises is reportedly owned by Oga Toyas, Chief Executive Officer of TOYAS Group Limited. The swift intervention followed a crucial tip-off from local residents reporting alleged criminal activities.
This incident highlights Ghana's persistent struggle against human trafficking and cybercrime, which often involve foreign nationals. The country has become a transit point and destination for various illicit activities, impacting its economic stability and international reputation. Previous reports indicate a rise in cyber-related offenses, prompting increased vigilance from law enforcement agencies.
Maud Anima Quainoo, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration, confirmed the operation and its outcomes. She stated that the GIS remains steadfast in its mandate to safeguard Ghana’s borders and dismantle transnational criminal networks. The Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), criminalises the recruitment, transportation, and exploitation of persons, imposing a mandatory minimum custodial sentence of five years upon conviction.
The 17 individuals suspected of cyber fraud, along with six female victims, are currently held at the GIS Headquarters for further interrogation. The remaining 79 male victims have been moved to a secure GIS holding facility. The Service, in collaboration with other state agencies, is coordinating their safe repatriation to their home countries. This operation signals a continued crackdown on illegal activities and a commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.
Preliminary investigations revealed that 85 of the individuals, comprising 79 males and 6 females, were victims of human trafficking and forced labour. Officers found evidence of serious physical abuse, particularly on male victims, who reportedly endured forceful manhandling and appalling living conditions. The remaining 17 individuals are suspected members of the cyber fraud syndicate and were also found to be residing in Ghana illegally.
In a related development, the Ashaiman Sector Command of the Ghana Immigration Service conducted a separate operation. This action, prompted by requests from the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly and the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC), targeted foreign nationals involved in prostitution. The operation led to the detention of 93 Nigerian women, aged between 15 and 44 years, suspected of being brought into Ghana for commercial sex. These women are also awaiting repatriation to Nigeria in accordance with the law.
The Ghana Immigration Service will continue to work closely with relevant national and international partners. This collaboration aims to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety and security of all persons within the country. The ongoing investigations seek to identify and apprehend the main perpetrators behind these nefarious activities.