Ghana on Tier 2 of the US Department of Labour Country Rankings on combating human trafficking

Hajia Lariba Zuweira Abudu, the Deputy Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, reveals that "Ghana has chalked many successes and is rated on tier two ranking according to the US Department of Labour Country rankings."

This according to her, shows Government is making significant efforts in the fighting against human trafficking."

She made this revelation during this year's World Day on Human trafficking and how to improve more to end it at Mepe in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region, on the theme: "Human Trafficking can end, the time is now! Take action to stop all forms of exploitation."

She said consequences of trafficking in human beings on the individuals and families include the victim's disappearance, death or permanent damage to physical and mental health, breaking families apart, among others.

It is observed that human trafficking in Ghana is on its rise and needs to be combated.

She appealed for collective support from stakeholders, groups and parents to end the rate at which human trafficking is destroying the lives of the future leaders of Ghana which are the youths and girl children.

She said, 24 children were rescued and been integrated with their parents in Mepe and its environs whiles some years back, Gushegu in the Northern region, 54 were transported to come and work but rescued and sent back.

Dr Afisah Zakariah, Director, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, in a speech read on his behalf during the commemoration of World Day Against Human Trafficking in Persons, has called on traditional authorities, transport owners, assemblymen, market leaders, and all stakeholders to step up efforts in the fight against human trafficking.

He said the phenomenon, which has the potential to further increase the woes of victims, child exploitation, sexual exploitation, and smuggling of migrants through unapproved routes around the borders of the country should be curtailed at the source.

This awareness creation includes a media campaign through the method of information distribution, education and communication materials (IE&C) aimed at raising awareness on the menace, a three -day capacity building training programme to equip 70 law enforcement agencies to understand the dimensions and urgency to end child trafficking, child labour, irregular migration, and all forms of exploitation.

Mrs Eyra Thywil Kpe, the Volta Regional Director, Ministry of Gender Children, and social protection called on parents to stop all forms of abuse they give to their children because anyone found culpable will be dealt with by the law.

She advised all youths to stay focused and called on the Chiefs and Queen mothers to help fight the canker in their various communities.

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) said over 500 girls were detected as victims from January to date.

They urged parents and guardians to be on the alert for those who come with sweet promises of engaging their children for greener pastures elsewhere.

The chiefs, on their part, also appealed for more support to equip them with the needed information to move into action in fighting the crime.

North and Central Tongu Districts of the Volta region are identified as enclaves for human trafficking, which needs more collaboration to fight the situation.

Globally, the theme for this year is "Victim Voices Lead the Way."

The event was attended by Chiefs and Queen mothers, assembly members, Health Directors, Transport unions, students, youth groups, NGOs, officials from the Department of Gender, Social Welfare and heads of decentralised institutions among others.

 Solomon M Ahiable Volta region