Accra:The International Justice Mission (IJM) Ghana has advocated for increased investment in victim protection and stronger measures against child trafficking, even as Ghana rises to Tier One in the 2026 United States Trafficking in Persons Report.
According to Ghana News Agency, the organization emphasized that the improved ranking should be a foundation for addressing ongoing trafficking risks, such as child exploitation, inadequate shelter facilities, and the use of technology to recruit and exploit vulnerable individuals.
Ghana's upgrade from Tier Two to Tier One occurred after significant progress in combating human trafficking was noted. During the reporting period, the government prosecuted 212 alleged traffickers, achieved 28 convictions, and identified 2,331 trafficking victims, all of whom were referred to appropriate support services.
In response to the report, IJM Ghana commended the government and other stakeholders for their progress but warned against viewing this achievement as the conclusion of efforts to combat trafficking. Madam Anita Budu, IJM's Director for the West Africa Programme, highlighted the ongoing risk to thousands of children and vulnerable adults.
The report pointed out the continued exploitation of children in various sectors, including fishing on Lake Volta, domestic work, street hawking, agriculture, and more. It also raised concerns about traffickers using technology and fraudulent job offers, recommending specialized training for investigators to combat cyber-enabled trafficking.
IJM Ghana noted limited shelter capacity for adult survivors as a challenge needing more investment, along with improved services for survivors and support for vulnerable rural communities. The organization praised the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and its Human Trafficking Secretariat for their coordination in national anti-trafficking efforts.
Law enforcement agencies, the Office of the Attorney-General, civil society organizations, media, faith-based groups, and traditional leaders were acknowledged for their roles in combating child trafficking. IJM Ghana called for ongoing collaboration and resources for frontline institutions to enhance investigations, prosecutions, and victim support, urging the achievement to inspire renewed efforts to protect vulnerable populations and hold traffickers accountable.