Accra: Experts have called for a victim-centred approach to tackling human trafficking and other forms of transnational organised crime. They emphasized that victims often faced coercion, threats, psychological manipulation, and physical or sexual abuse and should therefore receive protection, support, and assistance for recovery.
According to Ghana News Agency, the experts made the call at the national launch of the Civil Society Coalition Against Transnational Organised Crime, Ghana, themed 'United Against Transnational Crime: A Civil Society Agenda for Ghana and West Africa.' The coalition aims to unite civil society organisations to coordinate efforts against various forms of transnational organised crime, including human trafficking, cybercrime, illicit financial activities, environmental crime, drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, maritime crime, extremism, and corruption.
Mrs Ethel Obeng-Treve, a Clinical Psychologist and Founder of Fafanto Psych and Wellness, highlighted that coercion extends beyond physical confinement. She explained that perpetrators could use psychological control to prevent victims from seeking help and could also resort to threats against victims or their loved ones, withholding passports, imposing debts, and threatening negative consequences if authorities are contacted.
Mrs Obeng-Treve urged the media to avoid sensationalising victims' experiences and to protect their identities in their reports. Journalists should anonymise victims and carefully consider the framing of stories, as details disclosed in reports could further endanger them. She also cautioned against portraying survivors as suspects, noting that many had been forced or coerced into activities against their will.
Madam Mavis Serwah Asiemoah, a Legal Practitioner and Managing Partner of AS Amari and Co Chambers, noted that while Ghana had laws to address transnational organised crime, challenges remained with their implementation. The Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), as amended by Act 784 of 2009, provides mechanisms for the protection and rehabilitation of victims, she said.
Madam Asiemoah emphasized the importance of safe shelters, medical screening, food, and protection for rescued victims during investigations. Protecting victims is crucial for enabling investigators and prosecutors to secure evidence for successful prosecution. She also underscored the need to support victims throughout the legal process and compensate them for losses suffered through exploitation.
Dr Sandra Appiah-Kubi, a Public Health Physician and Specialist at the 37 Military Hospital, remarked that the health effects of organised crime could persist long after victims had been rescued. Trafficking could result in physical injuries, sexual and reproductive health problems, and psychological disorders requiring long-term care.
Dr Appiah-Kubi pointed out that other forms of transnational organised crime, such as drug trafficking and the circulation of fake or substandard medicines, posed public health risks. Drug trafficking could contribute to substance abuse and mental health problems, while fake medicines could worsen illnesses, increase financial hardship, and place additional pressure on the health system.
Madam Justina Asafu-Adjaye, Chief Executive Officer of Eagle Women, emphasized the role families and communities play in preventing people, particularly young people, from becoming victims of organised crime. She encouraged creating safe spaces for open discussions without fear of judgement and advocated for a 'we listen, we don't judge' attitude to help individuals facing threats or suspicious approaches seek help.
The experts called for stronger collaboration among law enforcement agencies, health professionals, legal practitioners, the media, families, communities, and civil society organisations. They stressed that the response to transnational organised crime should extend beyond identifying and prosecuting perpetrators to include prevention, victim protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration.