Ho, July 15, GNA-Community participation in the eradication of human trafficking is critical, Mr. Worlanyo Foster, National Director of Advocacy and Partnerships, International Justice Mission Ghana (IJM) has said.
He said the advocacy group would ensure that Ghana becomes free from activities of human traffickers.
He appealed to communities to get involved in national, regional, district, and community initiatives toward ending the canker of human trafficking.
Speaking during the 2022 National Justice Conference organised by IJM Ghana at Ho in the Volta Region, Mr. Worlanyo called on the communities to contribute positively to ending the menace.
Speaking on the theme: “Ending Human Trafficking: The Role of the Community,” he said the conference aimed to bring forth practical solutions and re-energize all to continue to fight for vulnerable children.
He noted key stakeholders in government such as the justice system, civil society, church among others dialogue and share ideas about how they can work collectively towards ending child trafficking in the country.
Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, Volta Regional Minister in a speech read on his behalf said human trafficking was a serious social canker in Ghana, particularly in the Volta Region.
He noted that the act which is also referred as to modern-day slavery was not only a threat to the human resources of Ghana, but a problem that deprives the youth and children of their right to education, health, and care of their parents.
Dr. Letsa called on community leaders, traditional, and religious leaders, to collaborate with the security agencies to deal with human trafficking.
Togbe Nakakpo Dugazaa VIII, Paramount Chief of Tefle Traditional Area called on the government, and policymakers to make reforms to give chiefs and traditional leaders a mandate to lead the prosecution of human trafficking perpetrators.
The conference discussed issues and topics such as the role of the community in case identification, justice process, reintegration and restoration.
It brought together stakeholders from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Ghana Police Service, the Department of Social Welfare, the Judicial Service, the Office of the Attorney General, Municipal Coordinating Councils, the Church, traditional institutions, Ghana Survivors Network, media and many others.
Source: Ghana News Agency
