Over 200 victims of human trafficking rescued at Oyarifa, EOCO arrests 35 suspects

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has arrested 35 suspected human traffickers. This operation targeted a syndicate accused of exploiting over 200 individuals.

Most victims are foreigners from vulnerable backgrounds. They were housed in Oyarifa, Accra, with false promises of better lives and jobs.

Abdulai Bashiru Dapilah, EOCO's Acting Executive Director, stated the suspects ran a coordinated trafficking network. They preyed on victims from various regions, including West African countries.

Victims were deceived with offers of good jobs and education. However, upon arrival, they faced overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Many were subjected to forced labor and exploitation.

"The operation was successful," Mr. Dapilah said. "219 people were arrested at Oyarifa." The suspects lured victims to Ghana for lucrative jobs that did not exist.

Once in Ghana, the victims were taken hostage. They were confined at Oyarifa estates and forced into cyber crimes.

Numerous laptops, internet routers, food items, and personal effects were recovered from the location. These items are believed to be tools used in cyber crime operations.

EOCO has started a detailed screening process for victims and suspects. This process will help identify adults and juveniles involved in criminal activities.

"The screening aims to separate victims from suspects," Mr. Dapilah added. The Nigerian High Commission has visited EOCO to engage with both groups.

They encouraged everyone to cooperate fully with authorities during this process. EOCO expects to complete the screening within 24 hours.

Arrangements are being made to repatriate victims back home, especially those from Nigeria. Efforts will also focus on reuniting them with their families.

Mr. Bashiru mentioned similar operations are ongoing elsewhere. Plans are in place to consolidate resources for sustained impact against trafficking networks.

"This is only the beginning," he noted. EOCO and CID aim to work closely together for better protection of vulnerable populations.

One victim from Nigeria shared his experience of confinement at Oyarifa for over a year. He received only one meal a day during this time.

"I came to Ghana due to difficult conditions back home," he explained. He was not clearly informed about his role here; he just knew he would stay with his boss.

After arriving, he discovered his boss was involved in fraud. He felt trapped since they weren't allowed outside or had any options available.

"I’ve been in Ghana for a year now," he said while praying for rescue opportunities like this one.