The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has repatriated 44 Ghanaians who were lured to Nigeria under the pretense of lucrative opportunities linked to the controversial QNET scheme.
The group, made up of 27 men and 17 women, arrived in Ghana by bus on March 20, 2026, following their rescue from suspected human trafficking camps in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria. Most of the victims had reportedly left Ghana in December last year in search of better job prospects but were later apprehended during a police operation in Nigeria.
Ordeal in Nigeria
Several victims recounted harrowing experiences during their stay. One individual, who spent less than a month in Nigeria, described a dramatic late-night police raid.
“The police officers were dressed in black and were wearing masks as though it was a kidnapping. Some of us were beaten when we tried to resist, fearing we were being abducted. I was traumatised,” he said.
Another returnee revealed that they were held in a private facility for four days before being processed for repatriation.
Victims also shared details of how they were recruited. One woman disclosed that she paid GH¢16,000 after being promised assistance to secure employment in South Africa. Another victim said he paid GH¢10,000 for a similar arrangement.
A female victim, who spoke anonymously, said she was instead forced into selling health products on commission upon arrival in Nigeria.
“I was told I would be sent to South Africa to work. But when I got to Nigeria, I was given products to sell. I tried, but I couldn’t meet the target to earn any commission,” she explained.
She added that although they were fed twice daily, living conditions were poor. She expressed deep regret over the decision, particularly the loss of the GH¢16,000 given to her by her father.
She also appealed to the government to intensify job creation efforts to discourage young people from seeking risky opportunities abroad.
Mixed Reactions
Upon arrival, the returnees expressed mixed emotions. While some commended the government for facilitating their return, others voiced frustration over the circumstances surrounding their arrest and the financial losses they suffered.
Some victims indicated that despite their experiences, they believed the venture might have yielded profits if they had stayed longer.
Government Issues Warning
Addressing the media, Director of Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, John Kwasi Boakye, cautioned Ghanaians—especially the youth—against falling prey to fraudulent recruitment schemes.
He urged the public to conduct thorough background checks with security agencies and the Ministry before committing to overseas job offers.
Mr. Boakye reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling human trafficking and supporting victims, while also commending Nigerian authorities for their cooperation in the rescue operation.
“We want our citizens to become ambassadors in the fight against human trafficking and the activities of QNET. No Ghanaian should fall victim to this scam again,” he said.
Writer’s Name: Andre Mustapha Nii Okai Inusah
Popularly Known As: Attractive Mustapha
Email: attractivemustapha@gmail.com
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