Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), a dynamic media advocacy cum human rights NGO, has secured the safe return of a 27-year-old Ghanaian domestic worker who was stranded in Iraq under alleged exploitative conditions.
Patience Asiam arrived in Ghana on Saturday, May 3, 2026, after weeks of sustained advocacy, media engagement and public pressure led by HRRG.
She was received at the Accra International Airport at about 2:00 p.m. by a team from HRRG, led by its Executive Director, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, who spearheaded efforts to secure her release and return.
Case gained public attention in April
The case first came to public attention on April 3, 2026, when HRRG issued press statements and engaged the media to highlight her situation. The story was widely circulated across major media platforms and social media, generating public concern and calls for intervention.
According to HRRG, Ms. Asiam travelled to Iraq in February 2025 under a two-year domestic work contract but later became stranded after developing a serious eye condition that prevented her from continuing work.
The organization also alleged that her employer demanded a financial payment as a condition for her release, describing the situation as exploitative.
Intervention efforts
HRRG says it engaged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and also notified the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as part of efforts to resolve the situation.
Following sustained media pressure and public advocacy, the employer and associated parties eventually released her without enforcing the alleged payment condition, paving the way for her return to Ghana.
“No Ghanaian should be exploited” — HRRG
Speaking on the development, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor described the outcome as evidence of the power of advocacy and media collaboration.
“This case demonstrates that when we amplify the voices of vulnerable individuals and apply the right pressure, change is possible. No Ghanaian should be subjected to exploitation or be forced to pay for their freedom,” he said.
Survivor expresses gratitude
Ms. Asiam, on her part, expressed relief after returning home.
“I am very happy to be back home. It has not been easy, but I thank Human Rights Reporters Ghana for standing by me,” she said.
Media role acknowledged
HRRG commended Onua TV and other media houses for amplifying the story, noting that sustained coverage played a key role in the outcome.
Call for stronger protections
The organization is calling on government institutions, civil society organizations and international partners to strengthen systems for the protection of Ghanaian migrant workers to prevent similar incidents.
