Accra: More than 500 child trafficking victims have been rescued in Ghana over the past decade through collaborative efforts between the International Justice Mission (IJM) and state justice institutions.
According to Ghana News Agency, the International Justice Mission (IJM) Ghana highlighted the progress made in combating trafficking, while also identifying significant gaps such as limited shelters for victims and inadequate resources for agencies responsible for investigations, victim care, and prosecutions. Ms. Anita Budu, Director of West Africa Programmes at IJM Ghana, shared these insights during the first Public Justice System Leaders' Summit in Accra. The summit aimed to enhance collaboration among justice sector institutions to address human trafficking.
The event gathered leaders from the Ghana Police Service, the Department of Social Welfare, and the Office of the Attorney-General from the Greater Accra, Central, Eastern, Volta, and Oti regions. Discussions focused on improving inter-agency coordination and promoting trauma-informed approaches in handling human trafficking cases. Ms. Budu emphasized the need for sustainable reforms through strong institutional leadership and effective coordination among agencies.
Since 2015, IJM has collaborated with the Government to combat trafficking through rescue operations, community awareness campaigns, and capacity building for public justice actors. Ms. Budu reported that over 500 vulnerable victims have been rescued, more than 235 suspects arrested, and over 70 convictions secured. She urged greater state investment to ensure justice institutions are adequately resourced to address trafficking effectively.
Mr. Andrews Dodzi Adugu, Senior State Attorney and Focal Person for the Prosecution of Human Trafficking Cases in the Volta and Oti regions, described trafficking as a concerning issue, particularly along the Volta Lake, where children are often subjected to hazardous labor. He noted the logistical challenges in gathering evidence from activities on the lake, which complicates prosecution efforts. Mr. Adugu called for more shelters for victims and increased public awareness of the obligation to report suspected trafficking cases under existing laws.
Dr. Anastasia Kpei Mawudoku, Greater Accra Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare, urged justice sector actors to prioritize their wellbeing to effectively support victims. Participants at the summit stressed the importance of sustained collaboration among institutions to strengthen investigations, improve survivor care, and enhance prosecution of trafficking cases across the country.