The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has stepped up its efforts against transnational crimes and irregular migration following two intelligence-led operations that led to the arrest of 110 foreign nationals and the rescue of suspected trafficking victims in parts of the Greater Accra Region.
In Dawhenya, the GIS National Enforcement Team uncovered a suspected cyber fraud and human trafficking operation, arresting 17 foreign nationals believed to be linked to a cybercrime network and rescuing 85 people allegedly subjected to trafficking and forced labour.
The operation, conducted in the early hours of Sunday, July 26, followed information received from residents about suspicious activities at a facility opposite the China West Mall.
Authorities said the premises, reportedly owned by Oga Toyas, Chief Executive Officer of TOYAS Group Limited, was being used as the base of the suspected criminal operation.
A total of 102 West African nationals were found at the location during the raid. Preliminary assessments by immigration officials indicated that 79 males and six females were victims of alleged human trafficking, while 17 others were suspected members of a cyber fraud syndicate.
The GIS said some of the rescued victims, particularly the male occupants, showed signs of mistreatment and were allegedly subjected to harsh conditions and physical abuse.
The 17 suspects and the six female victims have been taken to the GIS headquarters in Accra, where they are undergoing screening, questioning and further investigations.
Meanwhile, the 79 male victims have been placed at a secure facility as authorities work with relevant agencies to provide protection and facilitate their return to their home countries.
The Service disclosed that the main individuals believed to be behind the operation were not at the location when officers arrived.
“The team encountered the absence of the main kingpins during the operation. Investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest the masterminds behind these criminal activities,” the GIS said.
The operation was carried out under the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), which provides legal sanctions for individuals involved in trafficking-related offences.
In a separate enforcement exercise at Tsina-Agbe in Ashaiman, the GIS Sector Command also detained 93 Nigerian women following concerns raised by local authorities over alleged involvement in prostitution-related activities.
The women, aged between 15 and 44, are currently being kept at a secure location while the Service begins processes to return them to Nigeria in accordance with legal requirements.
The GIS said the operations demonstrate its continued commitment to securing Ghana’s borders, combating illegal migration, dismantling organised criminal networks and protecting vulnerable persons from exploitation.
