Gov’t rescues 400 Ghanaians trafficked by QNET; over 700 still stranded – Ablakwa

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that the government has so far rescued and repatriated 400 Ghanaians trafficked to Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Benin, and Togo by the QNET network.

He made the revelation on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, July 23, while responding to an urgent question filed by the Member of Parliament for Pru East, Kwaku Buah.

The MP had requested an update on the government’s efforts to rescue and repatriate victims of human trafficking linked to the QNET scam.

According to Mr. Ablakwa, over 500 Ghanaians—mostly aged between 20 and 40—are currently stranded in Cote d’Ivoire, while 202 remain in Nigeria.

These individuals were lured with promises of overseas travel opportunities and paid between GH¢18,000 and GH¢40,000 to scammers purporting to facilitate travel documents and transit to destinations such as France, Canada, Belgium, and Qatar.

He added that Ghana’s diplomatic missions in the affected countries are working closely with immigration authorities and Interpol to rescue the victims and identify the perpetrators.

Consular services are also being provided to affected Ghanaians as part of the ongoing support effort.

While no arrests have been made so far, the Minister called on the public to assist with credible information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of the fraudsters.

To curb further exploitation, Mr. Ablakwa announced that beginning in September 2025, the Ministry, in collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), will roll out a nationwide sensitisation campaign to educate the public on the dangers of QNET-related scams.

He also urged Members of Parliament to educate their constituents and help raise awareness to prevent more Ghanaians from falling victim to such deceptive recruitment schemes.