The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed as fake a widely circulated notice alleging that African nationals in Cambodia had been ordered to leave the country or face arrest. According to the ministry, the document—which spread across both social and traditional media—falsely claimed that citizens of Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda, and other African nations were directed to depart Cambodia by May 31, 2026, or risk imprisonment and financial penalties for supposed immigration violations.
In a statement issued in Accra on Friday, May 29, the ministry explained that it had engaged Cambodian authorities, who confirmed that the notice did not originate from any official institution in Cambodia. It said Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Interior had also publicly clarified that the document was “completely untrue”.
The ministry urged the public and media organisations to disregard the false notice and avoid sharing unverified information that could cause fear and anxiety among affected families. Despite dismissing the claims, the ministry confirmed that some Ghanaians living in Cambodia had already expressed interest in voluntarily returning home before the fake notice emerged.
It said the Ghana High Commission in Malaysia, which is also responsible for Cambodia, had worked with relevant stakeholders to facilitate the return of 85 Ghanaians between March and May this year. According to the ministry, arrangements are also underway to assist another 76 Ghanaians in Cambodia who wish to return to Ghana voluntarily.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working in conjunction with competent authorities in Cambodia to ensure the safe return of these Ghanaians,” the statement said. The ministry also commended the Cambodian government for its cooperation and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to protecting the welfare and interests of its citizens abroad. It further advised the public to rely only on official sources for information concerning Ghanaian nationals overseas.
Source: Edward Acquah
