The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel advisory to Ghanaians seeking employment opportunities in Zambia, urging them to exercise extreme caution following the arrest of six Ghanaian nationals in Lusaka in connection with an alleged organised cybercrime operation.
In a statement dated October 5, 2026, the Ministry expressed concern over an emerging trend in which Ghanaians are reportedly being lured to Zambia with fraudulent job offers before being subjected to coercion and forced participation in cybercrime activities.
The operation, conducted on August 23, 2026, involved the Zambia Police Service, Drug Enforcement Commission and Department of Immigration. Authorities targeted a facility suspected of being linked to organised cybercrime.
A total of 79 people were arrested, including 10 Zambian nationals and 69 foreign nationals. Six of those arrested were Ghanaians.
Ghanaians Allegedly Lured to Zambia With Fake Job Offers
According to information received by the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka, some of the individuals reportedly travelled to Zambia after receiving what appeared to be legitimate employment offers.
The alleged opportunities included online data-entry jobs, but some recruits were subsequently forced to participate in online scams after their passports were allegedly confiscated by their employers.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry said the development highlights the growing threat posed by fraudulent overseas recruitment schemes and human trafficking networks, which may target unsuspecting job seekers with promises of well-paid employment abroad.
Ghana Advises Job Seekers to Verify Employment Offers
The Ministry has urged Ghanaians planning to travel to Zambia for work to conduct thorough checks before accepting any employment opportunity.
Job seekers have been advised to verify the authenticity of job offers, recruitment agencies and prospective employers before travelling outside Ghana.
Ghanaians already living in Zambia have also been encouraged to remain vigilant, particularly when responding to online job advertisements, and to exercise caution when sharing personal information or travel documents with prospective employers.
The Ministry further encouraged Ghanaians in Zambia to maintain regular contact with the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka and seek consular assistance whenever necessary.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare, safety and interests of Ghanaians travelling, working or residing abroad, while urging citizens to remain alert to potential employment scams and human trafficking risks.
Source: newsthemegh.com