The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Ghana has conducted a major operation resulting in the rescue of 219 individuals, primarily foreign nationals, from a suspected human trafficking and cybercrime ring operating in Oyarifa, a suburb of Accra.

The victims, mostly young people from across West Africa, were deceived with false promises of lucrative jobs and a better life but were instead subjected to forced labor under brutal conditions.

During a press briefing, EOCO’s Acting Executive Director, Abdul Bashiru, revealed that many victims had been held for extended periods—some over a year.

He shared that one Nigerian victim reported being fed only once daily and having no freedom to leave. Authorities found evidence including laptops, internet routers, and other tools believed to be used in online fraud schemes.

Victims were kept in overcrowded, unsanitary environments and forced to work long hours under constant surveillance. EOCO has partnered with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the Nigerian High Commission, and international stakeholders to conduct detailed screening to distinguish victims from suspects and identify minors among those rescued.

Visuals captured during the operation showed suspects being lined up and screened at EOCO’s premises as investigations proceeded. Officials anticipate completing the screening process within 24 hours.

Abdul Bashiru emphasized EOCO’s commitment to dismantling the entire trafficking network and announced plans for stronger collaboration with the CID to intensify efforts against transnational organized crime.

Repatriation efforts are already underway for many of the victims, especially Nigerian nationals. Additionally, EOCO confirmed that similar operations are ongoing in other parts of Ghana targeting what it describes as a “well-coordinated trafficking network.” This operation underscores Ghana’s emerging role as both a transit point and destination in the fight against cross-border human trafficking and cybercrime.

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