The Chief Director of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Afisah Zakariah, has reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthen Ghana’s legal framework, policies and programmes aimed at preventing trafficking, supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable.
She noted that the government’s efforts in curbing human trafficking go beyond Ghana’s borders as the ministry works closely with international partners, civil society organisations and local communities to ensure that no child is left behind in the fight.
Dr Zakariah said this at the commemoration of the 2024 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, dubbed the Blue Day on Tuesday in Accra.
She stated that the theme of this year’s global campaign for the blue day, ‘Leave No Child Behind in the fight against human trafficking’ urges accelerated action to end child trafficking.
She added, “Children represent a significant proportion of trafficking victims worldwide, with girls being disproportionately affected. 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. Child trafficking violates their rights and denies children their ability to reach their full potential.”
Dr Zakariah stated that the Ministry was embarking on preventive measures to curb the menace through thematic areas of prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership as part of the implementation of the National Plan of Action for the Elimination of Human Trafficking.
“As a Ministry, one of our core mandates is to identify vulnerabilities and implement measures to mitigate them. This year we are raising awareness of sports and human trafficking as sporting and its related activities can offer such opportunities for traffickers to take advantage of our youth. This is to ensure that no one falls victim to exploitation while pursuing their sporting dreams,” she said.
She urged the media to join in the fight against human trafficking through expert discussions and talk shows on how to migrate the right way.
On her part, the Chief of Mission, International Mission for Migration (IOM), Ms Fatou Diallo Ndiaye, disclosed that IOM Ghana in 2023 assisted in the humanitarian return of 50 victims of trafficking, more than half of whom were young women from the Gulf regions.
She said, “These victims have been equipped to start and manage microbusiness enterprises to support themselves and their families. As part of IOM’s commitment to supporting the Government of Ghana in the fight against human trafficking, we have provided the Ministry with logistical support for this year’s Blue Day celebration. This includes the refurbishment of the adult female shelter, provision of shelter equipment and logistical support to the Anti-Human Trafficking Units of the Ghana Police Service, including computers, office chairs, and awareness-raising materials.”
She reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to assisting the government in combating human trafficking.
The United Nations General Assembly in 2010 chose the 30th of July during the adoption of the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP) to remember victims all over the world and dubbed it the Blue Day. The blue shows compassion for victims.
Priscilla Osei-Wusu Nimako, ISD