The Accra Regional Police Command has rescued sixteen individuals believed to be victims of human trafficking at Ngleshie Amanfro, a suburb of Accra.
The group — comprising twelve males and four females — are reportedly made up of nationals of Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso.
According to a police statement issued on July 30 and signed by Superintendent Juliana Obeng, Head of Public Affairs for the Accra Region, the rescue operation followed a report concerning the disappearance of a 17-year-old Ivorian national, Chaka Kante, who had been missing for nine months.
The complaint indicated that Kante had been deported to Ghana under the false pretense of joining a football team. Acting on the information, officers from the Accra Regional Police Command accompanied the complainant to Toptown, a suburb of Amanfro, where they discovered sixteen victims living in a residential facility.
“The victims, including the missing Chaka Kante, were immediately rescued and are currently safe,” the statement confirmed.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were recruited from their home countries by individuals suspected to be affiliated with a company called Q-Net, under the false promise of securing well-paying jobs in Europe.”
The rescued individuals have been identified as follows:
- Ivorian nationals: Denbele Mohammed (20), Sawadu Razak (20), Olivier Yasei (19), Wilfred Kwako (18), Philbe Kwame (25), Kante Shamar (19), Kwame Lambel (24), Kone Musah (24), Lasnel Kante (18), and Chaka Kante (17).
- Burkinabe nationals: Sajor Dijala (19), Abass Jeril (19), Wadrago Alice (22), Nyamego Winkode (22), Santa Elodi (23), and Oamba Fatooma (22).
The police noted that all rescued persons from trafficking are currently being sheltered.
“Arrangements are underway for them to be handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for further profiling and repatriation in line with immigration protocols,” the statement said.
Police investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest the traffickers involved in the operation. Authorities suspect a link to Q-Net, a company repeatedly mentioned in previous trafficking and scam-related investigations across West Africa.
The Police Command issued a public warning, especially directed at parents and guardians, urging caution against fraudulent recruitment schemes that falsely promise overseas employment.
“The Police also urge anyone with relevant information about the recruiters to report to the nearest Police Station,” the statement added.
