Ghana Launches New Coalition To Fight Trafficking For Cyber Scams

Story by Fada Amakye

A new Ghana Civil Society Coalition Against Transnational Crime has been announced to fight human trafficking for forced cyber fraud.

The announcement was made on Wednesday, 30th July 2026, during the “Trapped Behind the Scam” forum held to mark the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

The forum was convened by GYAN Ghana, the Democratic Network for Action [DNA], and Transnational Mobility Pathways [TMP].

Speakers said Ghana is now a source, transit, and destination country for trafficking where young people are lured with fake online jobs, have their passports seized, and are forced to commit online fraud under threats.

Recent cases cited include over 100 young Ghanaians rescued in Ho in January 2026, 28 repatriated from Côte d’Ivoire in May 2026, 44 freed from Nigeria in March 2026, and 9 rescued at Afienya on 21st July 2026.

The forum adopted a Communiqué calling on government, the private sector, and citizens to support the UNODC Blue Heart Campaign against human trafficking.

Key demands include screening all rescued persons as potential victims before prosecution, applying the non-punishment principle, making scam reporting easier, and asking banks and mobile money operators to trace scam-linked money flows.

The new Ghana Civil Society Coalition will be formally launched in Accra on International Youth Day, 12th August 2026. It will also work to build West African and African regional coalitions.

Lamberta Bina Abusah of GYAN Ghana said the forum is a stand taken by young people. She added that victims of forced scam operations must be treated as victims, not criminals.

The forum also called on young people to remember: no legitimate employer takes your passport, charges you to work, or rushes you to travel.

The full Communiqué and forum report will be released within three weeks.