The Centre of Posterity Interest Organization (COPIO) has petitioned the Nkoranza Divisional Police Command in the Bono East Region over an alleged human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful detention scheme that reportedly cost a group of Ghanaian job seekers more than GHS 841,000.
In a petition dated 16 March 2026, COPIO said it had received credible complaints from several victims who were promised travel and employment opportunities in Belgium. Instead, they were allegedly transported to Côte d’Ivoire, where they were confined in a building under what the organisation described as “distressing and degrading” conditions. According to the petition, the victims were only released after some began experiencing serious health complications. Two of the victims, Amos Asante and Tang Richard, are reportedly still battling health challenges resulting from the ordeal.
COPIO stated that the victims paid substantial sums as “processing and travel facilitation fees.” The amounts allegedly paid include GHS 260,000 by Owusuwaa Beatrice, GHS 140,000 by Tang Richard, GHS 88,000 by Amos Asante, GHS 25,000 by Luwtou Rexford, GHS 240,000 by Paul Bano, including payments on behalf of two others, and GHS 88,000 by Mawuli Amenydu. In total, the organisation estimates the group’s losses to exceed GHS 841,000, describing the funds as life savings and key investments made by individuals seeking better livelihoods abroad.
The petition also notes that the Nkoranza Divisional Police Command has already arrested three suspects in connection with the case: Enoch Atia, also known as Coach Pique; Christopher Dabari, also known as Ability 1; and Clementia Ampana. The matter is reportedly before a court of competent jurisdiction. While the victims have commended the police for the arrests and the initiation of legal proceedings, they have expressed concern over what they describe as a lack of communication and regular updates regarding the status of investigations and court proceedings.
COPIO argues that the alleged actions could constitute several serious offences under Ghanaian law, including defrauding by false pretences, abetment and conspiracy, unlawful detention, and human trafficking, as well as violations of constitutional protections relating to liberty, dignity, and fair administrative process. The organisation further warns that the case raises broader public interest concerns about fraudulent travel schemes and potential cross-border trafficking networks targeting vulnerable Ghanaians seeking opportunities abroad.
In its petition, COPIO is calling on the police and relevant authorities to provide clear and periodic updates to the victims on the progress of investigations and court proceedings, and to ensure the matter is handled diligently, transparently, and without undue delay. The organisation is also requesting a comprehensive investigation into the alleged criminal network and its accomplices, medical and psychosocial support for affected victims, efforts to recover lost funds and secure restitution where possible, and collaboration with state agencies and international partners to safely repatriate any other victims who may still be stranded outside Ghana.
The petition, signed by COPIO’s Executive Director, Mustapha Maison Yeboah, has been copied to the Inspector-General of Police, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Interior, and Justice, the Bono East Regional Minister, the Regional Police Commander, as well as the national and regional offices of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).
COPIO says it expects formal updates on the status and progress of the case within a reasonable timeframe and has pledged to cooperate with authorities to ensure justice is served and vulnerable citizens are protected from similar schemes in the future.
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