By Jones Anlimah
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has repatriated thirty-two (32) West African nationals suspected of engaging in cyber fraud, particularly romance scams, following joint security operations in the Volta Region.
The suspects including twenty-four (24) Nigerians and eight (8) Togolese were arrested during two coordinated intelligence-led operations carried out simultaneously in Akatsi and Ho on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. The operations were conducted by the Ghana Immigration Service in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service and the National Security.
Preliminary investigations revealed that all the suspects, who are males aged between 18 and 35, entered Ghana through unapproved routes. They were reportedly deceived by criminal syndicates who promised them legitimate job opportunities but later coerced them into online fraud schemes.
According to the GIS, the individuals were contacted via social media and recruited into cybercrime operations, often targeting unsuspecting victims through romance scams. The Service, after assessing the situation, treated the suspects as victims of human trafficking and facilitated their repatriation to their respective countries.
Items retrieved from the suspects included thirty-three (33) mobile phones, three (3) power banks, one (1) Toyota Corolla car key, three (3) Type-C chargers, and an AirPod with one earpiece missing.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the masterminds behind the network.
In a statement signed by Deputy Commissioner of Immigration, Maud Anima Quainoo, the GIS urged the public, especially the youth, to be wary of false online job offers and the dangers associated with cybercrime recruitment. The statement also cautioned landlords and property owners to verify the immigration status of foreign tenants before renting out their premises, stressing that harbouring illegal immigrants is an offence under Section 52(1)(b) of the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573).
The GIS reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s borders and ensuring compliance with immigration laws, especially as the world marks Cyber Security Month.
