The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has cautioned Ghanaians, particularly the youth, to be vigilant and avoid individuals and networks associated with QNET and similar schemes that lure victims with promises of overseas jobs, business opportunities and assistance in securing visas.
In a public advisory, the Ministry said it had observed with concern a growing number of incidents in which Ghanaian nationals are deceived into travelling abroad under false pretences. Victims are often promised lucrative employment, international business prospects or support in obtaining visas to Europe and other destinations.
According to the Ministry, many of those who fall victim to such schemes end up stranded in foreign countries, detained by immigration authorities or subjected to exploitative and distressing living conditions after realizing the promises made to them were fraudulent.
“The Ministry has observed with concern the increasing incidents of Ghanaian nationals who are being lured to travel outside the country under false pretences, including promises of employment opportunities, business prospects, and assistance in securing European visas. “
“These deceptive schemes have resulted in several victims being stranded, detained by foreign immigration authorities, or subjected to distressing and exploitative conditions abroad.” the statement read.
Authorities say the schemes typically involve recruiters persuading victims to make financial commitments, including paying large sums of money for supposed travel arrangements or business investments before leaving Ghana.
The warning comes amid several cases across West Africa linked to networks operating under the guise of QNET-related business opportunities. Ghanaian authorities have previously disclosed that 20 Ghanaian nationals were under investigation and trial in Côte d’Ivoire over alleged involvement in a QNET-related fraud syndicate, while others were identified as victims of the scheme.
Security agencies have also uncovered recruitment rings operating within Ghana that lure young people with promises of jobs and international travel. In one major crackdown in the Ashanti Region, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) arrested hundreds of individuals and rescued nearly 300 victims who had been trafficked or deceived through a fake recruitment network linked to QNET operations.
Investigators said victims were brought from various parts of Ghana and housed in locations in the Ashanti Region after being promised employment and overseas opportunities that never materialized. Authorities described the scheme as a sophisticated recruitment and trafficking network targeting unemployed youth and job seekers.
In response to the rising incidents, the Ministry urged members of the public to exercise extreme caution and verify all travel, recruitment and business offers through appropriate and official channels before committing money or travelling outside the country.
The Ministry also called on parents, guardians and community leaders to intensify public education efforts to ensure that young people are aware of the risks associated with fraudulent recruitment schemes and irregular migration networks.
Ghanaians who encounter suspicious offers or recruitment activities have been encouraged to report them to the Ministry through its consular channels:@mfa.gov.gh/+233204552750, or to relevant security and immigration authorities.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to working with national institutions and international partners to protect the welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad and to dismantle criminal networks that exploit unsuspecting individuals seeking better opportunities overseas.
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