The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has arrested 35 suspected human traffickers in a major operation targeting a syndicate accused of luring and exploiting over 200 individuals.

The victims, mostly foreigners and from vulnerable backgrounds, were reportedly housed in Oyarifa in Accra under false promises of a better life and employment opportunities in Ghana. 

Acting Executive Director of EOCO, Abdulai Bashiru Dapilah, said the suspects operated a well-coordinated trafficking network that preyed on victims from various regions, including neighbouring West African countries.

He said the victims were allegedly deceived with offers of well-paying jobs, education, and improved living conditions.

However, upon arrival, they were confined in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, with many subjected to forced labour and exploitation. 

"The operation was successful, and 219 people were arrested at Oyarifa. The victims were lured into the country by the suspects, ostensibly to give them lucrative jobs in Ghana. Unfortunately, when they came to Ghana, there were no lucrative jobs existing. Then they took them hostage, and then they confined them at the Oyarifa estates, and then they were forced to go into cyber crimes and cyber crime-related activities," he stated.

He added that the recovered items from the location were numerous laptops, internet routers, food items, and other personal effects believed to be tools used in the cyber crime operations.

According to him, EOCO has commenced a detailed screening process to distinguish between victims, suspects, adults, and juveniles.

"The essence of the screening is to separate victims from suspects, and also identify the types of criminal activities they may have been involved in,” he added.

The Nigerian High Commission has since visited EOCO and engaged with both victims and suspects, encouraging them to cooperate fully with the authorities.

The screening process is ongoing, but EOCO anticipates concluding it within the next 24 hours. Arrangements are underway to repatriate victims, especially those from Nigeria, and reunite them with their families.

Mr Bashiru also disclosed that similar operations are being conducted elsewhere, with plans to consolidate efforts and resources for sustained impact. “This is only the beginning,” he noted. “EOCO and the CID are committed to working more closely to dismantle these criminal networks and protect vulnerable populations.”

One of the victims, who hails from neighbouring Nigeria, said he had been confined at their Oyarifa residence for more than a year, and was offered just one meal a day.

“I came to Ghana because of the difficult conditions back home. I wasn’t clearly informed about what I would be doing here, just that I would be staying with my boss. But after arriving, I discovered that my boss was involved in fraud. I didn’t have any other options, especially since we weren’t allowed to go outside and were kept indoors all the time. I’ve been in Ghana for a year now," he narrated.

"I always pray to God to come to our rescue. An opportunity like this is what I have been praying for,” he said.