Accra: The Government will incorporate the provision of child protection units into the performance assessment of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs). The move is expected to strengthen systems for the care, protection and reintegration of victims of human trafficking, particularly children.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, announced this at a high-level meeting of heads of faith-based organisations convened by the International Justice Mission (IJM) in Accra. Mr Ibrahim explained that the assessment, conducted annually, would include a marking scheme to evaluate whether assemblies had established facilities or collaborated with neighbouring districts to provide temporary shelter and care for rescued victims.
The Minister emphasized that social welfare and community child protection structures within the assemblies had a responsibility not only to administer programmes but also to safeguard children's rights and ensure their reintegration into society. He also urged religious leaders to play a leading role in addressing child labour and trafficking, citing their wide influence across communities.
Mr Worlanyo Kojo Foster, the National Director of Advocacy and Partnerships at IJM, highlighted the critical engagement with faith leaders, given the country's high levels of religious affiliation. Despite 80 to 90 per cent of Ghanaians identifying with a religion, cases of child trafficking and exploitation persisted, indicating a problem with faith-based intervention.
Superintendent William Ayariga, Head of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Ghana Police Service, reported that the Unit rescued 1,202 victims of trafficking for sexual and labour exploitation in 2025. He warned of increasing cases where traffickers lured victims with promises of travel abroad but diverted them to neighbouring West African countries.
The meeting formed part of broader efforts to enhance coordination among government agencies, law enforcement, and faith-based organisations to combat human trafficking in Ghana.