Dr. Afisah Zakariah
The Ministry of Gender Children and Social Protection (MOGCSP), International Organization for Migration (IOM) and supporting partners have pledged to end human trafficking in Ghana through the strengthening of policy implementation and awareness creation.
According to the institutions, human trafficking remains a harsh reality for millions of children globally, often described as modern-day slavery that subjects victims to exploitative and abusive conditions.
In response to this urgent issue, Chief Director MOGCSP, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, said the Ministry is implementing preventive measures as part of the National Plan of Action against Human Trafficking.
“This year, the ministry is focusing on raising awareness about forced labor and human trafficking, particularly in relation to activities that traffickers may exploit to take advantage of vulnerable youth,” she said.
Dr. Zakariah emphasised the importance of ensuring that no one falls victim to exploitation while pursuing their sporting dreams, saying, “One of the core mandates of the ministry is to identify vulnerabilities and implement measures to mitigate them.”
She added that, “Recent reports have highlighted instances where individuals posing as agents have deceived the youth by promising opportunities in creative clubs or sports, only for them to be robbed of large sums of money and subsequently exploited in various countries.”
“Also, supporters and fans attending international sporting events have also fallen victim to scams under the guise of migration opportunities,” she said.
Dr. Zakariah stated that the Ministry is committed to addressing these issues and protecting Ghana’s youth from the dangers of trafficking and exploitation.
She made these remarks at the commemoration of the United Nations Day Against Human Trafficking, also known as Blue Day, on the theme, “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking”.
In commemoration of the Day, the Ministry in collaboration with it partners organised an inter-Senior High Schools football competition to raise awareness on the issue.
IOM Chief of Mission, Fatou Dialo Ndiaye, expressed her organisation’s commitment to countering trafficking through close cooperation with governments, UN international and agencies, and the private sector.
“Through our participation in numerous regional and international processes, we are consolidating our efforts against human trafficking,” she said.
She highlighted IOM’s collaboration with various humanitarian actors to implement the 4Ps framework—Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership—focusing particularly on victim care and protection.
“Over the years, IOM has successfully rescued, rehabilitated, and reintegrated victims of trafficking into their communities,” she said.
Ms Ndiaye said the IOM has provided training, start-up businesses, and counseling to support these individuals.
Additionally, she said IOM has assisted government agencies in developing training curricula focused on counter-trafficking efforts.
“In 2023 alone, IOM Ghana facilitated the humanitarian return of 50 victims of trafficking, over half of whom were young women from Gulf regions. These victims received support to establish micro businesses to sustain themselves and their families.”
She added that, “As part of its ongoing commitment, IOM provided logistical support for this year’s Blue Day celebration, including the refurbishment of an adult female shelter and essential equipment for the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Ghana Police Service.”
By Prince Fiifi Yorke