The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has repatriated 44 Ghanaians who were lured to Nigeria under the pretext of securing opportunities linked to the QNET scheme.
The group, made up of 27 men and 17 women, returned to the country by bus on March 20, 2026, after being rescued from suspected human trafficking camps in Akwa Ibom.
Reports indicate that most of the victims left Ghana in December last year in search of better prospects but were arrested during an operation by the Nigeria Police Force prior to their repatriation.
Ordeal in Nigeria
Recounting their experiences, one of the victims, who spent barely a month in Nigeria, said they were apprehended during a late-night operation.
“The police officers were dressed in black and wore masks, making it seem like a kidnapping. Some of us were beaten when we tried to resist, fearing we were being abducted. I was left traumatised,” he said.
Another victim told Primemax TV that they spent four days in a private facility before being returned to Ghana.
Speaking on how they were recruited, one victim said she was promised support to secure a job in South Africa and paid GH¢16,000 as a service fee, while another disclosed paying GH¢10,000 for a similar arrangement.
A female victim, who chose to remain anonymous, also said she had been assured of travel to South Africa but was instead made to sell products on commission after arriving in Nigeria.
“I left Ghana in December last year after being promised a job in South Africa. However, upon arriving in Nigeria, I was given health products to sell on a commission basis. Although I made some sales, I was unable to meet the required target to earn any commission,” she said.
She added that although they were fed twice a day, the conditions were unsatisfactory, and she expressed regret over her decision, including the loss of GH¢16,000 given to her by her father.
She appealed to the government to step up efforts to create jobs for young people, in order to discourage risky migration in search of opportunities abroad.
Mixed reactions
PrimeMax TV observed that the returnees had mixed reactions upon arrival. While some praised the government for facilitating their return, others were dissatisfied with the circumstances surrounding their arrest.
Further interactions revealed that much of their frustration was linked to the financial losses they suffered, with some still believing the venture could have been profitable if they had continued.
Government caution
Addressing the media, the Director of Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, John Kwasi Boakye, cautioned Ghanaians to remain vigilant against fraudulent recruitment schemes.
He urged the public, particularly the youth, to carry out thorough background checks with security agencies and the Ministry before committing to job offers abroad.
Mr Boakye noted that the Ministry is stepping up efforts to combat human trafficking and support victims, while also commending Nigerian authorities for their cooperation.
He further encouraged the returnees to share their experiences to help raise awareness about the risks associated with such recruitment schemes.
“We also hope our citizens will take this opportunity to serve as ambassadors in the fight against human trafficking and the activities of QNET. A lot is happening in our country.
“We cannot allow individuals to recruit Ghanaians and subject them to dehumanising conditions in other countries. No one in this country should fall victim to the QNET scam again,” John Kwasi Boakye said.
