A BBC undercover investigation has exposed Ghanaian recruitment agent Nana Akwasi Agyemang-Prempeh for allegedly defrauding job seekers by selling fake Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) for non-existent jobs in the UK.
Victims reportedly paid thousands of pounds for fraudulent care worker and construction positions, only to discover that their documents were counterfeit. As UK authorities increased scrutiny on visa fraud in the care sector, Agyemang-Prempeh shifted to the construction industry, charging as much as £42,000 ($54,000) for multiple fake job placements.
UK Cracks Down on Visa Fraud
The UK government has been tightening immigration regulations, revoking over 470 sponsorship licenses in the care sector between 2022 and 2024 due to widespread fraud. These actions have impacted thousands of foreign workers, including Ghanaians, who were misled by rogue agents promising legitimate employment.
Following the BBC’s findings, the UK Home Office revoked Agyemang-Prempeh’s sponsorship license, preventing him from recruiting foreign workers. The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to banning employers who exploit the visa system.
What This Means for African Job Seekers
With stricter UK immigration measures taking effect from April 9, 2025, African job seekers must remain cautious of fraudulent recruiters offering quick and costly visa sponsorships. The rise of such scams highlights the urgent need for stronger regulations and due diligence when seeking employment abroad.
TravelRadio.live urges prospective migrants to verify job offers with official sources and avoid agents demanding large upfront payments. We will continue monitoring developments in global migration policies affecting Black and African travellers.
