Civil Society Coalition launches initiative to combat human trafficking and transnational scams in Ghana

The Civil Society Coalition Against Transnational Organized Crime has launched a new initiative aimed at strengthening monitoring systems to prevent human trafficking and online scams in Ghana.

Speaking at the launch, Madam Princess Yanny, Spokesperson for Mr. Daniel Duncan, the Convenor, said nine institutions have committed to sign up to the initiative.

She explained that the partnership will help bridge the gaps between trafficking, illegal recruitment, and other transnational crimes.

“Today’s launch marks the beginning of real action. Many people have sent goodwill messages, but this must go beyond words. We need to sign, implement, and ensure it works going forward,” she said.

Madam Yanny named some of the institutions present to sign, including the Ghana Red Cross Society, Ghana Immigration Service, and the Bank of Ghana. She said the goal is to identify the problems and provide lasting solutions clearly.

She added that both short-term and long-term plans have been developed and all agreements will be properly documented for action.

She also stressed the critical role of the media in creating public awareness.

“From day one, the media has been the mouthpiece to the general public, and that will continue. We hope Ghanaians will stay with us on this journey,” she added.

Madam Yanny further described online scams as transnational crime.

“Once someone sits behind a laptop in this country and scams someone in another country, it becomes a transnational crime. If not checked, it spreads from one country to another without control,” she warned.

Traditional Leaders and Academics Speak

Torgbe Adze II, Divisional Chief of the Fodome Traditional Area, also raised concerns about human trafficking.

He said many Ghanaian youth are desperate to seek greener pastures abroad due to economic hardship, making them vulnerable to traffickers.

He also condemned illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, saying it continues to destroy our rivers and water bodies.

“As a result, the Ghana Water Company has reported that treating water for drinking has now become very expensive,” he noted.

Prof. Czar Bendick, Director of African Studies at the University of Calgary, Canada, said transnational crime requires a multidimensional approach.

He called for collaboration among law enforcement agencies, the Bank of Ghana, sociologists, and civil society.

“Crime has no colour. We must deal with it without political interference. Once we work hard with the right approach, we will get good results,” he concluded.