The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a travel advisory on October 5, warning Ghanaians that they could be lured to Zambia with seemingly legitimate job offers only to be coerced into cybercrime activities. The alert follows a joint operation by the Zambia Police Service, the Drug Enforcement Commission and the Department of Immigration on August 23, which targeted a suspected cybercrime facility and led to the arrest of 79 people, including six Ghanaians.
According to the ministry, some Ghanaians travelled to Zambia after being recruited through online data‑entry job advertisements. Once there, their passports were reportedly confiscated and they were forced to participate in online scams. The ministry said the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka received information that the recruits had been misled by what appeared to be legitimate employment opportunities.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has observed with concern the emerging trend of Ghanaians being lured to Zambia through fraudulent employment opportunities and subsequently being subjected to coercive conditions and forced involvement in cybercrime activities," the advisory stated.
It highlighted that human‑trafficking syndicates are increasingly using fake job offers to recruit unsuspecting job seekers into illicit activities. The ministry urged Ghanaians travelling to Zambia, especially those seeking employment, to verify the authenticity of job offers, recruitment agencies and employers before making travel arrangements. It also advised those already in Zambia to remain vigilant, keep regular contact with the Ghana High Commission and seek consular assistance if needed.
The advisory is part of the government’s broader efforts to protect Ghanaians travelling to and residing abroad. The ministry reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the welfare and interests of Ghanaians abroad.
