Foreign Ministry warns Ghanaians against fake jobs in Zambia following the arrest of six Ghanaian nationals in Lusaka during a major operation against suspected organised cybercrime.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued the warning after receiving reports that some Ghanaians had allegedly been lured to Zambia through fraudulent job offers and later forced into online scam activities. The advisory is directed at Ghanaians seeking work abroad, especially those responding to online job advertisements that promise quick employment, good pay or easy travel opportunities.

According to the Ministry, the six Ghanaians were among 79 people arrested on 23 August 2026 during a joint security operation in Lusaka. The operation was carried out by the Zambia Police Service, the Drug Enforcement Commission and the Department of Immigration.

The operation targeted a facility suspected of being used for organised cybercrime activities. Out of the 79 people arrested, 10 were Zambians while 69 were foreign nationals, including the six Ghanaians.

Job seekers allegedly lured with data-entry roles

The Ministry said information received by the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka suggests that some of the affected persons were recruited through offers that appeared to be legitimate employment opportunities.

Some of the advertised roles were said to include online data-entry jobs. However, after arriving in Zambia, some recruits were allegedly placed under coercive conditions and forced to take part in online scam operations.

In some cases, the Ministry said passports were confiscated by employers, making it difficult for the victims to leave or seek help. This is one of the key warning signs of trafficking and labour exploitation. Once a person’s travel document is taken away, they may be trapped and controlled by the people who brought them into the country.

Ministry warns of trafficking syndicates

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said the incident points to a growing trend where human trafficking syndicates use fake jobs to deceive unsuspecting job seekers. These schemes often look convincing because they may involve formal-looking appointment letters, travel arrangements, accommodation promises and claims of immediate employment.

However, victims may arrive at their destination only to discover that the job does not exist or that the work is illegal. In some cases, they may be forced to participate in cyber fraud, online romance scams, investment scams or other criminal activities.

The Ministry has therefore advised Ghanaians travelling to Zambia or seeking employment there to exercise extreme caution. It urged job seekers to thoroughly verify the authenticity of employment offers, recruitment agencies and prospective employers before travelling.

Ghanaians in Zambia urged to stay alert

The Ministry also urged Ghanaians already living in Zambia to remain vigilant when responding to online job advertisements. It advised them to maintain regular contact with the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka, especially if they encounter suspicious recruitment offers or need consular assistance.

The warning is also relevant to parents, guardians and young people in Ghana. Many fraudulent recruitment schemes target young people who are desperate for work or hoping to travel abroad for better opportunities. Some victims may be pressured to pay recruitment fees, submit passports, share personal details or travel without properly checking the company behind the offer.

How to check job offers before travelling

Anyone considering a job opportunity abroad should take time to verify the employer and the recruitment process. A genuine employer should have a traceable physical address, official communication channels, clear contract terms and verifiable registration details.

Job seekers should also be careful if an offer sounds too good to be true. Red flags include unusually high salaries for basic work, rushed travel arrangements, requests for large upfront payments, vague job descriptions, refusal to provide a written contract, and demands for a passport before proper documentation is completed.

It is also important to confirm whether a recruitment agency is licensed. Applicants should not rely only on social media messages, WhatsApp groups or Telegram job posts. They should cross-check with official institutions, the Ghana High Commission in the destination country, or relevant labour and security agencies.

Wider concern over fake recruitment

This latest warning adds to growing concerns about fake recruitment schemes targeting Ghanaians. In recent months, Ghanaian authorities have cautioned the public against online job scams, cloned websites and fraudulent recruitment messages. Some scammers impersonate government agencies, security institutions or foreign companies to make their offers look authentic.

The Cyber Security Authority has also warned job seekers to avoid sharing personal information, identification documents or financial details with unverified recruiters. These details can be used for identity theft, fraud or other criminal activities.

Government says it will protect citizens abroad

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it remains committed to protecting the welfare and interests of Ghanaians travelling or living abroad. It also encouraged citizens to seek proper guidance before travelling for work and to report suspicious recruitment activity.

For now, the message is clear: Ghanaians seeking employment in Zambia must be extremely careful. Every job offer should be checked properly before any money is paid, any document is submitted, or any travel arrangement is made.

The arrest of the six Ghanaians in Lusaka is a reminder that fake job offers are not only a financial risk. They can lead to exploitation, detention, forced criminal activity and serious legal consequences in a foreign country.