The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel advisory warning Ghanaians seeking employment in Zambia to exercise extreme caution, following the arrest of six Ghanaians in Lusaka during a joint operation targeting organised cybercrime.
In a statement issued on October 5, the Ministry said it has observed with concern the emerging trend of Ghanaians being lured to Zambia through fraudulent employment opportunities and subsequently subjected to coercive conditions and forced involvement in cybercrime activities.
The operation, conducted by the Zambia Police Service, the Drug Enforcement Commission, and the Department of Immigration on 23 August 2026, targeted a facility suspected of being involved in organised cybercrime activities. It resulted in the arrest of 79 individuals, comprising ten Zambians and 69 foreign nationals, including the six Ghanaians.
It said reports received by the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka indicate that some individuals had been recruited through purported legitimate employment opportunities, including online data-entry positions, but were subsequently forced into online scam activities after their passports were confiscated by their employers.
The Ministry said the situation highlights the growing use of fraudulent employment opportunities by human trafficking syndicates to lure unsuspecting job seekers into illicit activities.
It advised Ghanaians travelling to or seeking employment opportunities in Zambia to thoroughly verify the authenticity of employment offers, recruitment agencies, and prospective employers before travelling.
Ghanaians living in Zambia are also urged to remain vigilant, exercise caution when responding to online employment opportunities, and maintain regular contact with the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka for consular assistance if the need arises.
The Ministry reiterated government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and interests of Ghanaians travelling to or residing abroad.
