Ghanaian police have successfully rescued 76 young Ghanaians who were trafficked to Nigeria under the guise of football contracts and lucrative job opportunities abroad.
According to police reports, the victims were lured by a well-organized human trafficking syndicate promising them sports careers and employment in foreign countries. However, upon arrival in Nigeria, the victims’ travel documents and mobile phones were confiscated. They were then forced to live in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions while facing threats and psychological abuse.
Authorities revealed that the traffickers demanded that each victim extort at least $1,000 (approximately K1.7 million Malawi Kwacha) from their families back home, using manipulation and pressure tactics. In some cases, the traffickers used the victims’ phones to call their relatives and friends, fabricating stories to scam them into sending money.
Seven Ghanaian nationals have been arrested in connection with the trafficking operation. The rescue mission was carried out between May and June this year, with the help of Interpol and Nigerian security agencies.
Police further disclosed that the victims are currently still in Nigeria, awaiting repatriation back to Ghana. Many of them are said to be suffering from severe psychological trauma and financial distress as a result of the ordeal.
Investigations have linked the scam to QNET, a company previously banned in Ghana in 2022 over multiple fraud and scam allegations. However, QNET continues to deny any involvement in the trafficking case, insisting it operates legitimately.
Authorities in Ghana have since issued a renewed warning to the public about fake overseas job and recruitment offers, urging citizens to verify opportunities before committing.
BBC