The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ghana has issued a warning to its citizens seeking employment in Zambia, advising them to be cautious of fraudulent job offers that may expose them to human trafficking and forced involvement in cybercrime. This warning comes after a joint operation by the Zambia Police Service, the Drug Enforcement Commission, and the Department of Immigration resulted in the arrest of 79 people, including 69 foreign nationals, at a facility suspected of organized cybercrime activities in Lusaka, Zambia, on August 23, 2026.
According to the Ministry, six of the arrested foreign nationals were Ghanaians, and reports from the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka indicated that some of those arrested had been recruited through seemingly legitimate employment opportunities, including online data entry jobs. However, some of the arrested individuals allegedly had their passports confiscated by their employers and were forced into online scam activities. The Ministry emphasized that this situation highlights how human trafficking groups use fake employment opportunities to lure unsuspecting job seekers into illegal activities.
The joint operation targeted a facility suspected of being involved in organized cybercrime activities, resulting in the arrest of 10 Zambians and 69 foreign nationals. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has therefore advised Ghanaians traveling to Zambia or seeking employment there to thoroughly verify job offers, recruitment agencies, and prospective employers before traveling. This is to ensure that they do not fall prey to human trafficking groups.
Ghanaians living in Zambia have also been urged to remain vigilant when responding to online job opportunities and maintain regular contact with the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka for consular assistance when necessary. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasized the importance of verifying the authenticity of job offers and recruitment agencies to avoid falling victim to human trafficking.
The government of Ghana has assured its citizens that it remains committed to protecting their welfare and interests while traveling to or living outside the country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to monitor the situation and provide necessary assistance to Ghanaians affected by these fraudulent activities.
The warning issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs serves as a reminder to Ghanaians to be cautious when seeking employment opportunities abroad. It is essential for individuals to research and verify the authenticity of job offers and recruitment agencies to avoid falling prey to human trafficking groups.
The Ministry's efforts to protect Ghanaians from human trafficking and forced cybercrime are ongoing, and the government will continue to work with relevant agencies to combat these crimes. By being aware of the risks and taking necessary precautions, Ghanaians can avoid falling victim to these fraudulent activities.
Key points
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns Ghanaians to be cautious of fraudulent job offers in Zambia that may lead to human trafficking and forced cybercrime.
- A joint operation in Zambia resulted in the arrest of 79 people, including 6 Ghanaians, at a facility suspected of organized cybercrime activities.
- Ghanaians are advised to thoroughly verify job offers, recruitment agencies, and prospective employers before traveling to Zambia.
