Gender Minister calls for collective action in fight against human trafficking

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has called for a collective action among stakeholders in the fight against human trafficking.

She said this at the commemoration of the World Day Against Human Trafficking (Blue Day) on Wednesday in Accra.

She stated that Ghana has made major strides over the years in policy development, public sensitisation, and victim protection.

Dr. Lartey emphasised that the Government, through the Ministry, has developed the Human Trafficking National Plan of Action (NPA) 2022–2026, which supports the effective implementation of the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694).

“All of the thematic areas, prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership, are covered in the plan of action. Among these are the Criminal Offences Act of 1960 (Act 29), the Domestic Violence Act of 2007 (Act 732), the Children's Act of 1998 (Act 560), and the Labour Act,” she added.

She noted, however, that more remains to be done, particularly in the areas of law enforcement, cross-border cooperation, and survivor rehabilitation.

According to the minister, UN data estimates that 2.5 million people are trapped in modern-day slavery.

“Every country in the world is affected by human trafficking, whether as a country of origin, transit or destination for victims. With over 30 billion dollars in the human trafficking economy globally, perpetrators are doing all in their power to maintain their grip on the trade,” she said.

She therefore urged the public to be part of protecting each other by being vigilant, urging Ghanaians to “say something when you see something.”

On her part, the Deputy Representative of UNICEF Ghana, Christin McConnell, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to work with the government and partners to strengthen every aspect of the protection system.

She noted UNICEF is committed to expanding the child labour public-private partnership to address human trafficking, particularly in high-risk sectors such as mining.

“We will continue to support the Government in investing in prevention and recovery services by scaling up the Integrated Social Services approach to all 261 districts by 2027,” she said.

She added that UNICEF remains committed to working together with all partners to build a Ghana where no child or adult falls prey to trafficking and where every survivor is supported with dignity and care.

The 2025 World Day against trafficking in Persons was commemorated to raise awareness on the dangers associated with human trafficking and all forms of exploitation, and also provided an opportunity to reflect on the successes, progress, challenges, and way forward in the fight against human trafficking in Ghana over the past two decades. It was held under the theme: 'The Human Trafficking Law at 20: The Journey So Far in Ghana.'