The International Justice Mission (IJM) has called for stronger partnerships among government institutions, civil society organisations, the media, survivor groups, and communities to sustain Ghana’s fight against human trafficking. This collaborative approach aims to improve protection for victims and ensure justice for perpetrators. The call was made during the commemoration of the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons in Accra.
Madam Anita Budu, Director of IJM’s West Africa Programme, highlighted that Ghana has made significant progress over the past two decades. This progress follows the enactment of the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694). Despite these advancements, greater collaboration remains the most effective way to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and ensure perpetrators face prosecution.
Ghana's commitment to combating human trafficking is a critical aspect of its broader human rights and economic development agenda. The Human Trafficking Act, now 20 years old, established a comprehensive legal framework. This framework goes beyond criminalising trafficking to promote prevention, victim protection, rehabilitation, and the prosecution of offenders. It also ensures a coordinated national response through the Human Trafficking Secretariat. The law recognises the importance of sustainable investment through the Human Trafficking Fund to support victims and strengthen interventions.
Ms. Budu stated that prevention, protection, and prosecution are only as strong as the partnerships that enable them. She explained that the Act provides the framework, but partnership brings that framework to life. Drawing on IJM’s 11 years of work in Ghana and nearly three decades of global experience, she noted that trafficking and other forms of violent exploitation reduce significantly when justice institutions work as an integrated system. This includes investigators, prosecutors, social welfare officers, regulatory agencies, survivor advocates, and community leaders effectively performing their roles in collaboration. Such coordinated efforts also serve as a strong deterrent against trafficking.
Practical examples of successful partnerships include the Coalition of NGOs Against Child Trafficking (CNACT). This coalition has demonstrated the impact of coordinated advocacy and shared expertise among civil society organisations in supporting national priorities. The Ghana Survivor Network also works with local leaders, government agencies, and communities across the Greater Accra, Volta, and Central regions. Their efforts raise awareness, prevent child trafficking, and support survivors returning to their communities. An example cited was a former trafficked victim who became a teacher and community advocate, helping to protect vulnerable children.
The media plays a critical role, with journalists and bloggers acting as important partners in prevention, public awareness, and victim identification. Ms. Budu revealed that a blogger recently received information from young Nigerians allegedly trafficked into Ghana under false employment promises. The blogger recognised trafficking indicators and followed appropriate referral channels. The Ghana Police Service responded swiftly, rescuing 18 young men. This incident demonstrates how informed media practitioners contribute significantly to anti-trafficking efforts. Bloggers are currently undergoing specialised training to deepen their understanding of human trafficking and referral mechanisms.
IJM outlined five key commitments for Ghana’s anti-trafficking response over the next 20 years. These include strengthening government ownership and coordination by aligning all interventions with national priorities and improving collaboration among public institutions. Other priorities are embedding trauma-informed and victim-centred approaches across the justice system. This ensures survivors receive dignified treatment from identification and rescue through rehabilitation and reintegration. Strengthening multidisciplinary case management through effective referral pathways and shared accountability is also crucial. Promoting evidence-based policymaking through improved data collection and information sharing, and elevating survivor leadership to ensure those with lived experience contribute meaningfully to prevention, protection, and policy reforms complete the commitments.
Ms. Budu stressed that Ghana’s future success in combating human trafficking depends on its ability to strengthen partnerships across all sectors. Stronger public institutions, engaged communities, and empowered survivors will help build an effective justice system. This system will increase accountability for perpetrators and reduce the prevalence of trafficking.