Even though tourism is a driver of economic growth in Ghana, it could also lead to human trafficking if not well regulated, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), Madam Lariba Zuweira Abudu, has said.
The Minister noted that tourism could serve as a cover for human traffickers to operate discreetly and target vulnerable individuals.
Madam Zuweira Abudu said this at a sensitization workshop on the dangers of human trafficking, forced labour and ethical recruitment for Travel and Tour Operators and Tourism Agencies.
She noted that Ghana is not exempted from human trafficking issues, since it is a global problem.
She charged stakeholders to intensify the advocacy and support law enforcement agencies to punish human trafficking offenders.
The Chief Director MoGCSP, Dr Afisah Zakariah, hinted that the tourism industry has become a platform for trafficking and exploiting the vulnerable, hence the need to deepen the understanding and foster a sense of responsibility among stakeholders.
She urged the stakeholders to help pave the way for a Ghana where human rights and tourism flourish.
Grace Acheampong, ISD
