Be vigilant of job advertisements abroad to avoid being trafficking victims — Foreign Affairs Ministry advises

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has cautioned Ghanaians to exercise extreme vigilance when responding to travel and job offers abroad to avoid falling prey to human trafficking syndicates.

The caution follows the successful rescue and repatriation of 28 Ghanaians from Côte d’Ivoire after they were trapped in what the Ministry described as a sophisticated human trafficking network.

The victims, who are predominantly youth, were rescued through a joint operation involving security operatives and officials of the Ghana Embassy in Abidjan and have since arrived safely in Ghana.

“Ghanaians are hereby advised to be extra vigilant and avoid becoming victims to such trafficking schemes,” the Ministry said in a press release issued on Sunday, May 10.

According to the Ministry, the rescued individuals are currently assisting authorities with investigations as efforts intensify to identify and dismantle the criminal network behind the operation.

The government also commended Ivorian authorities for their cooperation and intelligence sharing which led to the successful rescue mission.

The Ministry further cautioned the public against dealing with unlicensed recruitment agencies that promise lucrative jobs and travel opportunities abroad.

“The Ministry, therefore, urges the public to be conscious of the dangers associated with engaging unlicensed recruitment agencies which promise travel and job opportunities,” portions of the statement read.

It advised the public to verify all overseas job and travel offers through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment Relations, or Ghana’s diplomatic missions before taking any steps.

The Ministry assured the public that the Mahama administration remains committed to bringing the masterminds behind the trafficking syndicate to justice while protecting the welfare of Ghanaians at home and abroad.