The Ghana Immigration Service says a targeted operation against suspected internet fraud networks (sakawa) in Accra has led to the rescue of dozens of victims and the arrest of several foreign nationals.
In a statement issued on March 9, 2026, the Service said 73 victims were rescued during the operation, while 93 Nigerian nationals were arrested at the DEVTRACO Estate. Those detained include 91 men and two women.
The intelligence-led raid was carried out by officers from the Service’s National Operations Unit under the supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Immigration Newman Akuffo.
Officials said six houses within the estate were searched during the exercise. Investigators reported that some victims had been subjected to torture and other forms of abuse by the suspects.
Officers also retrieved items believed to be linked to the suspected criminal activities. These included counterfeit US dollar notes, fake gold bars, 82 laptops, 57 mobile phones and 17 television sets, along with several household appliances.
Preliminary findings indicate that some of the suspects entered Ghana through unauthorised routes, while others allegedly overstayed the 90-day visa-free period granted to citizens of the Economic Community of West African States countries.
The Ghana Immigration Service said investigations are continuing at its National Headquarters to establish the full scope of the network.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration also reminded foreign nationals living in Ghana to comply with the country’s laws. The Service noted that the Human Trafficking Act, 2005, criminalises recruiting, transporting or harbouring individuals through force, fraud or abuse for exploitation, with penalties ranging from five to 20 years in prison.
Under the Immigration Act 2000, entering the country through unauthorised routes or overstaying a visa is also a criminal offence punishable by fines or prison terms between three months and two years.
