The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has been elected Chair of the newly reconstituted Human Trafficking Management Board, pledging to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts against modern-day slavery.

Established under Ghana's Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), the Human Trafficking Management Board is responsible for coordinating and overseeing matters relating to prevention, rehabilitation, reintegration of victims, and prosecution of trafficking offenders.

Welcoming the newly inaugurated Board in Accra, Dr Lartey described human trafficking as a “serious crime and a grave violation of human rights” that continues to affect millions globally, particularly women and children who are vulnerable to forced labour and sexual exploitation.

“Despite the progress made, Ghana remains a source, transit, and destination country for human trafficking,” she said. “It is our collective duty to address this menace and protect the vulnerable.”

She stressed that the inauguration presents a renewed opportunity to “combat human trafficking and protect the vulnerable in Ghana.”

The 18-member Board includes Abena Annobea Asare (Secretary), Elizabeth Sackeyfio, Henrietta Nikoi, Lydia Quarcoo, Deborah Adjei Djanie, Emmanuel Otibu Darko Korankye, Bertha Badu-Agyei, DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, Pamela Yaa Pomaah Codjo, Eric Kweku Bonney, Hakeem Mumunio Duwiejua, Agnes Aknmopoyah Abolimpoh, Fredrick Obenh Abekah, Benjamin Akyena Brentuo, Ephraim Nii Tan Sackey, Sophia Kudjordji, and Michael Terkpetey Narh.

Dr Lartey explained that the Human Trafficking Secretariat, established under Section 32 of the Act, operates as the national coordinating body for all anti-trafficking efforts in Ghana. She said the Board would enable the Ministry and the Secretariat to fulfil their mandate and work as a team to fight the scourge of human trafficking.

“All Board members were chosen because of their technical expertise, which I believe they will bring on board to effectively fight the menace through the functions outlined in the Act,” she added.

The Board is tasked with recommending and monitoring a national plan of action against human trafficking, advising the Minister on policy matters, assisting in investigations and prosecutions, proposing prevention and victim support strategies, liaising with agencies for rehabilitation, and preparing guidelines for disbursing the human trafficking fund. It will also be responsible for conducting research on international best practices.

Dr Lartey encouraged members to work together to move Ghana to a Tier 1 ranking in the US Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. “Since 2017, Ghana has consistently maintained its Tier 2 ranking. However, no single agency can tackle this challenge alone. I urge you to work hard and in unity with the Ministry and all partners.”

She also acknowledged the achievements of the previous Board and their contribution to enhancing Ghana’s international standing in anti-trafficking efforts.

In a related development, a six-member Central Adoption Authority Board (CAAB) under the Ministry was inaugurated. It will be chaired by the Ministry’s Chief Director, Dr Afisah Zachariah. The Board is tasked with sustaining current reforms in the country’s adoption processes and ensuring ongoing monitoring of adoptive families for both in-country and inter-country adoptions.

Other members of the CAAB are Stephen Tikai Dombo (Secretary), Yvonne Norman, Benice M. Ackon, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Owusuaa Kyeremeh, Bright K. Appiah, Hanaan N. Asaku, Evelyn Danquah Kottoh, and Dr Susan Langmagne.