Some three Ghanaians have shared their stories on how they were almost auctioned as slaves in Libya after running out of money when they entered the North African country.
They claimed that when they crossed into Libya, they run out of funds and were 'abducted' by some Libyan citizens who demanded ransom from their families back in Ghana. They report that there are some people who collaborate with the human traffickers in Ghana for instance, who serve as contacts for the family members to pay the monies to. They add that the people who are unable to pay the monies are then auctioned as slaves to work.
Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey confirmed that the ministry had received the above reports but are yet to ascertain its validity. She earlier revealed that Government is working with the international organization of migration to airlift 168 illegal migrants who were detained in Libya.
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A statement from the Ministry said the 168, who were thought to be victims of a torturous slave trade activity in Libya, were rather illegal migrants arrested by the Libyan government.
She added that the matter is expected to feature highly on the African Union And European Union meeting ongoing in the capital city Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
A film obtained by CNN showing men being auctioned as slaves has been met with outrage from the International community, political leaders and several countries, calling for an end to the unthinkable act.
Images also show some migrants being sold for $400 while others are tortured to death by individuals in Libyan military wears.
The Libyan government launched an investigation into the slave auctions but said the international community needed to provide more support if it was going to tackle the problem.
Read also: 168 Ghanaian detainees in Libya to be sent home