Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rescued more than 400 Ghanaians who were allegedly lured into a fraudulent QNET recruitment scheme in Côte d’Ivoire under the guise of lucrative job opportunities.
The victims, mostly between the ages of 20 and 50, were promised transit to Europe or other destinations for work but ended up held in isolated locations in Côte d’Ivoire. Many were reportedly defrauded of money and forced to recruit relatives into the scam, expanding the network.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who facilitated the rescue, described the situation as alarming and expressed shock that many of the fraud ring leaders were Ghanaian nationals.
“We are deeply concerned by the suffering endured by our citizens,” Ablakwa said. “Their rescue is our immediate priority, and we will ensure they receive the necessary support upon their return.”
The Ministry is now collaborating with Interpol and the Ghana Police Service to investigate the scam and prosecute those behind it. Officials say the case highlights a growing trend of cross-border human trafficking and employment fraud targeting Ghanaian youth.
Meanwhile, QNET has distanced itself from the fraudulent operations. The company recently opened a Compliance Office in Accra, in partnership with the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), to address misuse of its brand and protect the public from scams.
CID Director General DCOP Lydia Donkor said the initiative will help “weed out people who take advantage of their name to do illegal things or scam people.”
The move is part of QNET’s wider anti-fraud campaign, which includes public education and legal action against impersonators. The company reports over 70 cases of fraud involving its brand have been referred to authorities across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Government agencies, including the Human Trafficking Secretariat under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, are also intensifying efforts to fight trafficking and job scams through legislation, victim support, and regional partnerships.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant, report suspicious recruitment offers, and verify organizations before engaging.
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Story by Xavier Mensah|univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Michelle Lartey