Irregular migration through unapproved routes, unregistered recruitment agents and agencies, as well as the use of “connection” men make people vulnerable to human trafficking.

The Chief Director of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MOGCSP), Dr Afisah Zakariah, said traffickers and migrant smugglers always took advantage of the vulnerability and poverty of people to traffic them.

The Chief Director, who was speaking at the commemoration of UN Day against Trafficking in Persons, also known as Blue Day, in Accra yesterday, therefore, urged citizens to be vigilant and only travel through approved channels and routes.

She said the government was committed to strengthening its legal framework, policies and programmes to prevent human trafficking, support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.

“Our collaboration extends beyond national borders, as we work closely with international partners, civil society organisations and local communities to ensure that no child is left behind in this fight”, Dr Zakariah said. 

Event

The event was on the theme: “Leave no child behind in the fight against human trafficking.” The day is commemorated on July 30 every year to raise awareness of the dangers associated with human trafficking.

It serves as a reminder to strengthen collaborations and pool resources in the ongoing fight against trafficking. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) Global Report on Trafficking in Persons (GLOTIP), children are twice as likely to face violence during trafficking than adults.

It also reveals that children represent a greater proportion of trafficking victims worldwide, with girls being disproportionately affected.

Collaboration

The Chief Director further said that the day served as a reminder to strengthen collaborations and pool resources to fight against trafficking. “Let us ensure that no one falls victim to exploitation while pursuing their sporting dreams.

We have had instances where people pose as agents promising our youth in sport lucrative clubs and prospects only to deceive them, rob them of huge sums of money and end up being exploited in various countries of destination.

“We urge young people to brighten their futures through sports, but we also caution them against unscrupulous individuals who may prey on their aspirations,” she added. 
Dr Zakaria urged stakeholders to collaborate to create a world where every child can grow up safe, free and empowered to reach their full potential. 

Commitment

The Chief of Mission, International Organisation of Migration (IOM), Fatou Dialo Ndiaye, said they were committed to countering trafficking by working closely with governments, other UN agencies, international and local non-governmental organisations and the private sector to eliminate human trafficking.

She said over the years, IOM had rescued, rehabilitated and reintegrated various categories of victims of trafficking into their countries and communities of origin. “In 2023, IOM Ghana assisted the humanitarian return of 50 victims of trafficking, more than half of whom were young women from the Gulf regions.

These victims have been equipped to start and manage micro-business enterprises to support themselves and their families,” Ms Ndiaye said.