Two Canadian women kidnapped from the city of Kumasi in Ghana earlier this month have been safely rescued.
Global Affairs Canada confirms a report from the Ghana Ministry of Information that a rescue operation took place early Wednesday.
Spokesperson Guillaume Berube says consular officials are providing assistance to the Canadians and their families.
“We would like to thank the Government of Ghana for their cooperation in the resolution of this case,” said Berube in a statement.
“Due to the provisions of the Privacy Act, and out of respect to these two Canadians who have been through harrowing experiences, no further information will be disclosed.”
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The women, aged 19 and 20, were volunteering with the group Youth Challenge International (YCI) when they were abducted from a golf course June 4.
In a statement Wednesday morning, YCI identified the women as Lauren Tilley and Bailey Chitty.
“Bailey and Lauren are receiving emotional and psychological support from professionals as they travel home,” the statement read. “Medical reports are that they are both physically unhurt.”
“The parents of both young women have been in contact with their daughters and at this time wish to express their extreme gratitude to the Ghanaian police, the Ghanaian Government and the Canadian Government for all their support and actions throughout this extremely difficult time.”
The group said it is unable to comment on the police actions, the rescue or the perpetrators of the abduction at this time.
