The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has raised concerns about the increasing activities of cross-border fraudulent syndicates operating under the banner of QuestNet International, popularly known as QNet.
According to the Minister, these syndicates are luring unsuspecting Ghanaians to neighboring countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Togo, and Benin with promises of jobs or further travel to Europe.
Answering questions on the fraudulent activities of QNet in Parliament, Minister Ablakwa stated that the Ghana Embassy in Abidjan estimates over 500 Ghanaians, aged between 20 and 40, are currently being held in secluded locations across Côte d’Ivoire.
He further noted that the government has rescued and repatriated a total of 202 Ghanaians from Nigeria, with 78 rescued through the Abuja mission and 124 through the Lagos mission.
“Our mission in Nigeria has recently rescued and repatriated a total of 202 Ghanaians, 78 through the Abuja Mission, and 124 through the Lagos Mission,” he said.
Communities in Côte d’Ivoire identified as QNet hotspots include Nduku, Abengguru, and Agnebeluku in the eastern part, and Dabu, Jakaville, Songon, and Gem in the southern part.
The Minister stated that the government is collaborating with Interpol to combat human trafficking and QNet-related crimes.
He also confirmed that efforts are underway to rescue and repatriate Ghanaian victims held captive in Côte d’Ivoire and other countries.
“The traffickers lure unsuspecting compatriots to supposed countries under the pretext of facilitating their travels to France or other destinations in Europe or elsewhere for paid jobs. The traffickers entice the victims to the supposed transit country for the processing of their visas, as the procedure takes a long time to complete in Ghana,” he said.
He continued “According to the Ghana Embassy in Abidjan, the clandestine nature of the operations of the scammers and the silent arrival of victims in Côte d’Ivoire make it challenging to determine the number of Ghanaians being held hostage.
“The Mission estimates that there are over 500 Ghanaians currently held in secluded locations. Efforts are being made to bring them home,” he added.
The government is actively working to raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking and QNet-related scams.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
