Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) has called for urgent government and international intervention to rescue a Ghanaian domestic worker currently stranded in Iraq under what it describes as exploitative conditions.
The victim, Patience Asiam, 27, travelled to Iraq in February 2025 to work as a domestic worker under a two-year contract facilitated by a recruitment agency known as Sulamania Hasiah Company.
However, after about one year of work, she reportedly developed a serious eye condition, forcing her to stop working and seek termination of her contract on medical grounds.
According to HRRG, the situation took a troubling turn when her employer allegedly demanded a payment of $1,500 as a condition for her release and return to Ghana.
The organization further indicated that efforts by the victim to seek assistance from the recruitment agency have been unsuccessful, as the agency appears to support the employer’s position.
HRRG has described the situation as a possible case of labour exploitation and debt bondage, raising concerns about the safety and wellbeing of Ghanaian migrant workers abroad.
The organization has formally notified the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and is engaging the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to facilitate urgent intervention and her safe return to Ghana.
HRRG is calling on the Government and relevant stakeholders to take immediate steps to secure her unconditional release, ensure she receives the necessary medical care, and support her safe repatriation.
It has also urged authorities to investigate the role of the recruitment agency involved in the matter.
The organization is appealing to civil society groups, the media, and international partners to support efforts to protect the rights and dignity of Ghanaian migrant workers and prevent similar cases in the future.
HRRG says it will continue to engage relevant stakeholders and monitor developments to ensure the victim is safely returned home.
