The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned Ghanaians about a growing trend of fraudulent employment schemes being used to lure them to Zambia, where some are allegedly forced into cybercrime activities.
The Ministry said some Ghanaians recruited through purported legitimate job opportunities had been subjected to coercive conditions after travelling to Zambia.
The warning follows the arrest of six Ghanaians in Lusaka on August 23, 2026, during a joint operation by the Zambia Police Service, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and the Department of Immigration.
The operation, which targeted a facility suspected of being involved in organised cybercrime, led to the arrest of 79 people.
Those arrested included 10 Zambians and 69 foreign nationals, among them the six Ghanaians.
According to reports received by the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka, some of the individuals were recruited through what appeared to be legitimate employment opportunities, including online data-entry positions.
However, upon arrival, they were allegedly forced to participate in online scam activities after their passports were confiscated by their employers.
The Ministry said the development highlights the growing use of fraudulent employment opportunities by human trafficking syndicates to lure unsuspecting job seekers into illicit activities.
It has therefore advised Ghanaians travelling to or seeking employment in Zambia to exercise extreme caution and thoroughly verify the authenticity of employment offers, recruitment agencies and prospective employers before travelling.
Ghanaians already living in Zambia have also been urged to remain vigilant and exercise caution when responding to online employment opportunities.
The Ministry further encouraged them to maintain regular contact with the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka for consular assistance whenever necessary.
It reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and interests of Ghanaians travelling to or residing abroad.
