Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of Police under the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) William Ayaregah, has cautioned Ghanaians to be wary of deceptive travel opportunities that could lead to human trafficking.
According to him, traffickers often use the promise of travel abroad to lure unsuspecting people, collect their money, and then subject them to exploitation in other countries.
Speaking on TV3 and monitored by NewsDesksGh on November 11, DSP Ayaregah revealed that this year alone, the Ghana Police Service under the CID has rescued about 520 victims of trafficking both internal and externally, rescued about 120 children, and secured eight convictions.
“People use travel abroad to lure some unsuspecting Ghanaians under the promise of sending them to France, Canada and other places. They take their money and ask them to come to a different country to facilitate their travel. On arrival they force them into other internet trading activities,” he explained.
“A lot of Ghanaians have been trafficked to Nigeria, they’re in Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia and the rest,” he added.
DSP Ayaregah urged the public to be extra cautious when offered such opportunities.
“Ghanaians should be on the watch out. Anytime you get an offer from a friend, schoolmate, relative that come I’ve gotten a job in Europe but come to any neighboring African country to facilitate your document, please, do what you call due diligence before you embark or else you might be falling into the trap set by these perpetrators,” he warned.
He added that in cases where people are unsure they may contact his department for assistance.
“Anytime you get an offer that they’re taking you to Europe, America, Canada or any other country and you have any doubt, please contact my office,” he said,
He also sent a warning to those engaged in human trafficking, assuring that they will face justice.
“They can run but they cannot hide. Very soon wherever they are, the long arm of the law will catch up with them,” he warned.
DSP Ayaregah encouraged victims or persons helping victims to seek help by contacting the CID or even the IGP, which will then be forwarded to his department for assistance.
“Anybody who has fallen victim, write a petition for assistance, address it to the Director-General, Criminal Investigations Department. Once this petition comes, they will forward it to my office and we liaise with Interpol,” he advised.
“If you want to write to the IGP, you can address it to the Inspector General of Police and the letter will be forwarded to us and we will do all that we have to do.”
