In a major operation led by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), 219 people—mostly foreign nationals—have been rescued from a suspected human trafficking and cybercrime ring operating out of Oyarifa, a suburb of Accra.
The victims, predominantly young West Africans, were lured into Ghana with false promises of lucrative jobs and a better life. Instead, they were held in captivity under harsh and exploitative conditions.
Read Also:Tribunal Sacks Joshua Gana from House of Reps
At a press briefing, EOCO’s Acting Executive Director, Abdul Bashiru, disclosed that some victims had been detained for over a year. “A Nigerian victim told us he was fed only once a day and denied any freedom of movement,” Bashiru said.
Authorities uncovered a cache of evidence, including laptops, internet routers, and other devices believed to be used in online fraud schemes. The victims were found living in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions and were forced to work long hours under constant surveillance.
EOCO, working alongside the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the Nigerian High Commission, and international partners, has launched a comprehensive screening process to distinguish victims from suspects and to identify minors among those rescued.
Journalists covering the operation at Kunzak Estates captured scenes of the rescued individuals being screened and resting at EOCO’s premises. Officials say the screening process is expected to conclude within 24 hours.
Bashiru reaffirmed EOCO’s commitment to dismantling the entire trafficking network. “We’ve mapped out strategies for stronger collaboration with the CID to step up efforts against transnational organized crime,” he said.
Repatriation plans are already underway, particularly for Nigerian victims. EOCO also confirmed that similar operations are being launched in other parts of the country to target what it described as a “well-coordinated trafficking network.”
The operation underscores Ghana’s emerging role as both a transit and destination point in the global fight against human trafficking and cybercrime.
Africanews