The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised Ghanaians seeking employment opportunities in Zambia to exercise extreme caution and verify the authenticity of job offers amid growing concerns over fraudulent recruitment schemes linked to cybercrime activities.
The advisory follows the arrest of six Ghanaian nationals in Lusaka during a joint security operation conducted by the Zambia Police Service, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), and the Department of Immigration on August 23, 2026.
According to the ministry, the operation targeted a facility suspected of involvement in organised cybercrime activities and led to the arrest of 79 individuals, including 10 Zambians and 69 foreign nationals, among them six Ghanaians.
In a travel advisory issued on October 5, 2026, the ministry said reports from the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka indicate that some individuals were recruited through what appeared to be legitimate employment offers, including online data-entry jobs.
However, upon arrival, the victims allegedly had their passports confiscated by employers and were subsequently forced to participate in online scam operations.
“The above situation highlights the growing use of fraudulent employment opportunities by human trafficking syndicates to lure unsuspecting job seekers into illicit activities,” the ministry stated.
The ministry urged prospective workers travelling to Zambia to thoroughly investigate recruitment agencies, prospective employers and employment offers before making travel arrangements.
It also advised Ghanaians currently residing in Zambia to remain vigilant when responding to online employment opportunities and to maintain regular contact with the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka for consular assistance when necessary.
The ministry reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare and interests of Ghanaians living and travelling abroad.
The advisory comes amid increasing concerns globally about criminal networks exploiting fake employment opportunities to recruit victims into cybercrime and other illicit activities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has encouraged members of the public to report suspicious recruitment schemes and seek clarification from diplomatic missions before accepting overseas job offers.