Internal human trafficking widespread in Ghana

Akyawkrom (Ash), Aug 27, GNA - Mr Clarke Noyoru, Ministry of Women and Children (MOWAC), has said Ghana's internal human trafficking is widespread and stands at 69.8 per cent whiles that of cross border trafficking is at 30.2 per cent.

He said the country has been identified as a source, transit and destination of this modern day slavery and that 85 percent of those engaged in the illegal trade are Ghanaians.

He was speaking at a three-day capacity and review workshop on anti-human trafficking interventions held at Akyawkrom in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality.

Organized by the MOWAC with sponsorship from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the event brought together participants from across the country.

Mr Noyoru said to help tackle the problem head-on a draft legislative instrument (LI) on the human trafficking Act is now in place.

He said consultations are being held on the LI among all stakeholders to address all concerns to facilitate its enactment.

Added to this, he said, is the development of a referral system to link victims to appropriate services while designing strategies to ensure their proper reintegration into their communities.

Mr Noyoru said they are also strengthening collaboration with partners including non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) to implement targeted interventions to deal with the problem.

Again a number of shelter facilities to aid the rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration of victims had been identified in the Upper East and West, Volta and Greater Accra Regions and efforts are being made to renovate them to serve the purpose.

Mr Noyoru underlined the need to amend some provisions of the Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560) for example section 91 (3) which deals with the list hazardous child labour.

Miss Daphne Lariba Nabila, Director of Programmes of the Legal Resource Centre (LRC), called on civil society groups to make input into the LI on human trafficking.

Participants recommended more sensitization and education, noting that, prosecution was not enough to stop the practice.

GNA