The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has disclosed that 28 Ghanaian nationals, mostly young people, have been rescued from a human trafficking network in Côte d’Ivoire and repatriated to Ghana following a coordinated cross-border security operation.

In a press release on Sunday, May 10, the Ministry stated: “Twenty-eight (28) Ghanaian nationals, predominantly youth, who were victims of a sophisticated human trafficking network have been rescued and repatriated to Ghana after a successful operation conducted by security operatives and officials of the Embassy of Ghana in Abidjan.”

It added that the victims are now safely in Ghana and are assisting security agencies with ongoing investigations.

“The rescued human trafficking victims are safely in Ghana and currently assisting with further investigations,” the Ministry said.

Authorities commended Ivorian counterparts for their role in the operation. “The Government of Ghana conveys commendations to Ivorian authorities for the effective collaboration and shared intelligence,” the statement noted.

The Ministry warned that trafficking networks continue to target vulnerable young people with fake job and travel offers. “Ghanaians are hereby advised to be extra vigilant and avoid becoming victims of such trafficking schemes,” it said.

It further urged the public to verify recruitment and travel opportunities through official channels, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment Relations, and Ghana’s diplomatic missions abroad.

“The public is encouraged to confirm the validity of any advertisement/offer to avoid falling prey,” the Ministry stated.

The government, under the Mahama administration, said it remains committed to dismantling trafficking syndicates and prosecuting those responsible.

“The welfare of all Ghanaians remains our utmost priority,” the statement concluded.