Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel advisory warning its citizens to exercise extreme caution when seeking work in Zambia. The advisory, dated 5 October 2026, cites an emerging trend of Ghanaians being lured to Zambia by fraudulent job offers, only to be subjected to coercive conditions and forced into cybercrime. This warning follows a recent operation by the Zambia Police Service, which arrested 79 people, including six Ghanaians, on 23 August 2026.
The six Ghanaians were among 69 foreign nationals arrested in Lusaka for suspected organised cybercrime. According to the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka, some of the affected Ghanaians were recruited through what appeared to be legitimate jobs, including online data-entry work. While some media reports describe the six as victims of human trafficking, the Ministry's statement speaks of fraudulent recruitment and coercion. The legal status of the arrested individuals in Zambia has not been disclosed.
The Ministry's advisory makes two key requests: Ghanaians travelling to Zambia or seeking jobs there should thoroughly verify the authenticity of the offer, the recruitment agency, and the prospective employer before travelling. Ghanaians already in Zambia should be cautious about online job opportunities and stay in regular contact with the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka for consular help. This warning is part of a broader effort to protect Ghanaians from falling prey to fraudulent job offers.
The Zambian case is part of a larger pattern of recruiters advertising easy, well-paid work, such as data entry, customer service, or "online marketing," only to exploit victims. Ghana's Cyber Security Authority has warned about a surge in fake job offers sent by text, email, and social media, with scammers posing as employers and asking for money or personal information. The authority advises against paying for applications or interviews.
The ease of travel between Ghana and Zambia has increased the risk of exploitation. The two countries signed a visa-free travel agreement earlier this year, which facilitates legitimate travel and trade but also removes a hurdle that might otherwise make a would-be traveller scrutinise an offer more carefully. To protect themselves, individuals should treat high pay for little work and unprompted offers as warning signs.
Additional safeguards include verifying the company independently, checking for a registered business and real office, and never paying fees for a job, an interview, or a "visa processing" charge. It is also essential to tell family and friends about travel plans and keep one's passport and return ticket safe. If something goes wrong, contacting the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka quickly can help.
This warning highlights the need for collaboration between Ghana and Zambia to combat human trafficking and protect their citizens. Authorities in both countries should share information about recruiters, support victims fairly, and prosecute organisers. By sharing this warning, families, schools, and community leaders can help prevent more Ghanaians from falling prey to these scams.
Key points
- Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns citizens of fraudulent job offers in Zambia that lead to forced cybercrime.
- The Zambian Police Service arrested 79 people, including six Ghanaians, for suspected organised cybercrime on 23 August 2026.
- Ghana and Zambia signed a visa-free travel agreement earlier this year, increasing the need for vigilance when seeking job opportunities.
