Ghana rescues over 2,300 human trafficking victims in 2025 as the government declares war on sports trafficking

The Government of Ghana has intensified its fight against human trafficking, with authorities rescuing a record 2,331 victims in 2025 amid growing concerns over sports trafficking targeting vulnerable young people.

Launching activities to mark the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (Blue Day), the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, warned that traffickers are increasingly exploiting the dreams of young athletes through fake football contracts, scholarships, overseas trials and deceptive recruitment schemes.

Speaking under the theme, “Human Trafficking Can End: The Time Is Now – Blow the Whistle on Sports Trafficking,” the Minister described sports trafficking as an emerging global threat, especially ahead of major international competitions such as the FIFA World Cup.

“Sports is meant to inspire hope, discipline, opportunity and national pride. Unfortunately, traffickers are increasingly taking advantage of these dreams,” she stated.

According to the Minister, Ghana’s anti-trafficking efforts under the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), as amended by Act 784, have led to stronger collaboration between law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, traditional authorities and international partners.

She revealed that the number of trafficking victims rescued increased from 821 in 2021 to 846 in 2022 before rising to 1,089 in 2023. Although the figure declined to 794 in 2024, Ghana recorded an unprecedented surge in 2025 with 2,331 victims rescued nationwide.

Out of the victims rescued in 2025, 1,544 were men while 789 were women. The Minister added that 425 were children, with the remaining 1,906 being adults.

“These figures are not just numbers. They reflect improved collaboration among institutions, increased public awareness, stronger enforcement operations and enhanced capacity to identify and rescue victims,” she said.

The Minister further disclosed that 2,022 trafficking-related cases were investigated in 2025, leading to the conviction of 106 offenders for cybercrime trafficking and exploitation-related offences, including defrauding by false pretence. Another 54 offenders were convicted for human trafficking and child labour-related crimes.

The Minister explained that many victims are lured into exploitation, forced labour, irregular migration and other forms of abuse under the guise of legitimate sports opportunities.

She urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, emphasising that the fight against trafficking requires collective national action.

“This is the time to blow the whistle. This is the time to protect young people and stand together against exploitation in all its forms,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Mission for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Fatou Diallo Ndiaye raised alarm over the increasing vulnerability of young African athletes to trafficking and exploitation overseas.

According to her, many aspiring athletes continue to fall victim to fake recruitment schemes, unsafe migration channels and exploitative contracts while pursuing sports careers abroad.

“Human trafficking is not a distant threat; it is a present reality that continues to exploit the dreams and ambitions of young African athletes seeking opportunities abroad,” she stated.

The research found that more than 95 per cent of young people expressed interest in pursuing sports careers abroad despite the high risks of exploitation and deceptive recruitment.

The IOM further identified weak regulation of intermediaries, limited use of formal contracts, high migration aspirations and low public awareness as major factors fueling the problem.

She called for stronger awareness campaigns, ethical recruitment systems and improved protection mechanisms for both male and female athletes.

“Sport should open doors to opportunities and dignity, not be used as a tool for exploitation,” she stressed.

The IOM also urged parents, coaches, communities and the media to remain vigilant and actively report suspicious activities linked to trafficking networks.

“The media is the right channel to speak up, expose abuse and support prosecutions. You have one of the most important roles to play in this agenda,” the Chief of Mission added.

Meanwhile, International Justice Mission (IJM) Country Director and West Africa Director, Anita Budu, warned that human trafficking is actively taking place within communities across Ghana and across the globe.

She described this year’s theme as timely due to the increasing sophistication of trafficking networks and their exploitation of global sporting events.

Referencing the recent rescue of 76 trafficked victims, IJM disclosed that collaboration between the Ghana Police Service, Interpol and Nigerian authorities led to successful arrests and the safe return of victims to their families.

However, the organisation warned that traffickers are increasingly using digital platforms, fake promises and deceptive recruitment tactics to lure victims.

IJM called for increased funding to support anti-trafficking campaigns, law enforcement operations, survivor care and prosecution efforts while urging the media to intensify public education on the dangers of trafficking.