A 27-year-old Ghanaian domestic worker who was stranded in Iraq under alleged exploitative conditions has safely returned home following the intervention of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG).
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 delegation from the organisation, led by its Executive Director, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, who spearheaded efforts to secure her release.
The case came to light on April 3, 2026, when HRRG engaged the media and issued public statements to draw attention to her situation.
The story quickly gained traction across major news platforms and social media, prompting widespread concern and calls for urgent intervention.
According to HRRG, Ms. Asiam had 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 organisation further alleged that her employer demanded a financial payment as a condition for her release, a situation it described as exploitative.
As part of its intervention, HRRG engaged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and also notified the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Following sustained media pressure and growing public attention, the employer and associated parties eventually released her without enforcing the alleged payment demand, paving the way for her safe return to Ghana.
Speaking on the development, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor described the outcome as a demonstration of the power of advocacy and media collaboration.
“This case shows that when the voices of vulnerable people are amplified and the right attention is drawn to injustice, positive change can be achieved.
No Ghanaian should be subjected to exploitation or be forced to pay for their freedom,” he said.
Ms. Asiam expressed relief upon her return, thanking HRRG for its support throughout the ordeal.
“I am very happy to be back home. It has not been easy, but I am grateful to Human Rights Reporters Ghana for standing by me,” she said.
HRRG also commended Onua TV and other media organisations for amplifying the story, noting that sustained coverage played a key role in securing the outcome.
The vibrant advocacy group is calling on government agencies, civil society groups, and international partners to strengthen systems to better protect Ghanaian migrant workers and prevent similar incidents in the future.
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