The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has arrested 17 foreign nationals and rescued 85 suspected human trafficking victims. This operation occurred during an intelligence-led raid in Dawhenya, Greater Accra Region. The GIS believes the arrested individuals were operating a cyber fraud syndicate.
The operation, conducted on Sunday, July 26, targeted a property opposite the China West Mall. Authorities suspect this location served as a base for the alleged criminal network. Initial investigations revealed that 79 men and six women were victims of suspected human trafficking and forced labour. The remaining 17 individuals are believed to be members of the alleged cyber fraud syndicate.
This incident underscores Ghana's persistent challenges with transnational crime and irregular migration. The country is a transit point and destination for human trafficking, often involving forced labour and cyber fraud. The GIS has intensified its efforts to combat these illicit activities, reflecting a broader national commitment to security and human rights. Recent data indicates a rise in such operations across West Africa, making regional cooperation crucial.
According to the GIS, officers intercepted 102 West African nationals after receiving intelligence and information from local residents. The Service reported discovering signs of severe physical abuse among the male victims. These victims were allegedly subjected to violence and forced to live in poor conditions. The GIS stated that the main masterminds behind the operation were not present during the raid, but investigations are ongoing to apprehend them.
The six female victims and the 17 suspects are currently undergoing interrogation and profiling at the GIS Headquarters in Accra. The 79 male victims have been moved to a secure holding facility. The GIS is collaborating with relevant state institutions to facilitate their safe repatriation to their home countries. This coordinated approach is vital for victim support and successful prosecution.
The operation was conducted under the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694). This law criminalises human trafficking offences and mandates a minimum prison sentence of five years upon conviction. This legal framework provides a strong basis for prosecuting offenders and deterring future crimes. The GIS remains steadfast in its mandate to safeguard Ghana’s borders and protect victims.
In a separate intelligence-led compliance exercise, officers from the Ashaiman Sector Command detained 93 Nigerian women. These women, aged between 15 and 44, were held in the Tsina-Agbe area. This exercise followed concerns raised by the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly and the Municipal Security Council regarding alleged foreign national involvement in prostitution. The women are being held at a secure facility for repatriation.
The Ghana Immigration Service reaffirms its commitment to tackling transnational crime and irregular migration. The Service aims to dismantle criminal networks and protect victims of human trafficking from exploitation. These ongoing efforts are critical for maintaining national security and upholding human dignity in Ghana. The GIS continues to monitor various threats, including the abuse of the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol.