The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed as false a widely circulated notice purportedly issued by Cambodian immigration authorities directing African nationals, including Ghanaians, to leave Cambodia or face arrest and penalties.
In a press release dated May 29, 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa clarified that the document circulating on social and traditional media platforms was fake and not issued by any official institution in the Kingdom of Cambodia.
According to the statement, the fraudulent circular claimed that citizens of Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda and other African countries had been ordered to leave Cambodia by May 31, 2026, or risk arrest, imprisonment and financial sanctions for alleged immigration violations.
However, the Ministry said diplomatic engagements with Cambodian authorities confirmed that the notice was entirely fabricated.
“The Ministry wishes to assure the public that following diplomatic engagements with the relevant Cambodian authorities, it has been confirmed that the said notice is absolutely fake and was not issued by any state institution in Cambodia,” portions of the statement noted.
The Ministry further disclosed that the General Department of Immigration under Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior had officially issued a clarification describing the circulating notice as “completely untrue.”
Ghanaians and media organizations have therefore been urged to disregard the fake document and avoid sharing unverified information capable of causing fear and anxiety among affected individuals and their families.
Despite dismissing the notice, the Ministry acknowledged that some Ghanaians living in Cambodia had earlier expressed a desire to voluntarily return home.
It revealed that through Ghana’s High Commission in Malaysia, which is accredited to Cambodia, government has already facilitated the evacuation of 85 Ghanaian nationals between March and May 2026.
The Ministry added that arrangements are underway to support the evacuation of an additional 76 Ghanaians currently in Cambodia who have also requested assistance to return home.
“The Ministry will continue to work in close collaboration with all relevant authorities to ensure the safety, welfare and protection of Ghanaian nationals in Cambodia,” the statement added.
The Government of Ghana also commended Cambodian authorities for their cooperation and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the interests of Ghanaians abroad while urging the public to rely solely on official sources for information regarding Ghanaian nationals overseas.
