The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Ghanaians travelling to or seeking employment in Zambia to exercise caution after six Ghanaian nationals were among 79 people apprehended in the country during a joint operation targeting a suspected cybercrime network.
In a statement released on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, the Ministry disclosed that the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka had received reports of Ghanaians who were recruited for purported employment, including data-entry jobs, but allegedly ended up being coerced into online scam activities.
According to the Ministry, the victims had their passports confiscated by their supposed employers after arriving in Zambia.
The six Ghanaians were among the 79 people apprehended during a joint operation at Evana Estates in New Kasama, Lusaka, on August 23, 2026.
The operation was conducted by the Zambia Police Service, the Drug Enforcement Commission, the Department of Immigration, the Zambia Cyber Security Agency and other security institutions following a tip-off about suspicious activities at the premises.
Those apprehended comprised 10 Zambians and 69 foreign nationals, including 35 Ugandans, 11 Chinese, eight Kenyans, six Ghanaians, five Liberians, two Burundians, one Chadian and one Zimbabwean.
During the operation, security agencies seized 73 desktop computers, six laptops, 140 mobile phones, five Starlink kits, two external hard drives, 10 new SIM cards and 75 passports. They also recovered cash in Zambian kwacha, US dollars and other foreign currencies.
According to Zambian authorities preliminary investigations suggested that the premises were being used by a newly established and highly organised network suspected of conducting cyber-related criminal activities.
Investigators were also examining the recruitment, accommodation and working conditions of some of the foreign nationals apprehended. Preliminary information indicated that some individuals may have been recruited under deceptive circumstances, while the movement of some foreign nationals may have been restricted.
The Ministry’s warning comes months after Ghana and Zambia signed a visa waiver agreement covering ordinary, diplomatic and official/service passport holders as part of efforts to facilitate movement and deepen bilateral relations.
The agreement was signed during President John Dramani Mahama’s state visit to Zambia in February 2026, a visit that also attracted attention after his traditional Ghanaian fugu attire sparked interest among Zambians, with some mistaking the cultural wear for a blouse.
The Ministry has therefore advised Ghanaians travelling to or seeking employment opportunities in Zambia to exercise extreme caution and thoroughly verify the authenticity of employment offers, recruitment agencies and prospective employers before travelling.
“The Ministry hereby advises Ghanaians travelling to or seeking employment opportunities in Zambia to exercise extreme caution and thoroughly verify the authenticity of employment offers. recruitment agencies and prospective employers before travelling.” the statement read.
Ghanaians living in Zambia have also been urged to remain vigilant, exercise caution when responding to online employment opportunities and maintain regular contact with the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka for consular assistance when necessary.
The Ministry said the warning forms part of the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and interests of Ghanaians travelling to or residing abroad.
Source: Diplomatic Times
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