Gov’t Moves to Rescue Over 700 Ghanaians Trapped by QNET Scam

The Government of Ghana is working closely with Ivorian immigration authorities to rescue and repatriate more than 200 Ghanaians currently being held in hidden locations across Côte d’Ivoire after falling victim to an elaborate trafficking and visa scam orchestrated by the QNET Group.

The scam, which has affected over 700 Ghanaians across Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Benin, and Togo, involved victims being deceived with promises of travel documents and transit arrangements to Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Instead, they were trafficked and stranded in secluded areas, often held against their will.

This was revealed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in Parliament on Wednesday in response to an urgent question from the Member of Parliament for Pru East, Mr Kwaku Buah.

Mr Ablakwa stated that the victims—mostly young people aged between 20 and 40—were lured with the false promise of visa processing services. They paid between GH¢18,000 and GH¢40,000, hoping to secure travel opportunities to countries like France, Canada, Belgium, and Qatar.

Since 2021, the government has successfully rescued and repatriated 400 Ghanaians from the affected countries. However, the Foreign Minister noted that more than 500 Ghanaians remain stranded in Côte d’Ivoire alone, with 202 others in Nigeria.

“The Ghanaian embassies and diplomatic missions in those countries are providing consular services to the victims,” Mr Ablakwa said. He added that diplomatic missions were working in collaboration with local immigration authorities and Interpol to aid in the rescue process and track down the perpetrators.

Despite these efforts, no arrests have been made so far. Mr Ablakwa urged the public to share any credible information that could assist authorities in locating and apprehending the fraudsters.

To prevent further exploitation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), will, from September this year begin nationwide sensitisation campaigns to raise awareness of QNET’s fraudulent operations.

The QNET scam has become one of the most concerning transnational fraud schemes in West Africa, exploiting the desperation of young people seeking opportunities abroad. As Ghana intensifies its rescue operations, authorities are calling for vigilance and stronger regional cooperation to dismantle the network behind the scheme.