Engage Now Africa, in partnership with Ensign Global University, recently sensitised more than 3,000 students at Suhum Technical Secondary School (SUTESCO) in the Eastern Region. The program focused on the dangers of human trafficking, online exploitation, and cybercrime. This significant outreach occurred on Friday, July 31, 2026, aiming to equip young people with crucial knowledge.
The sensitisation seminar formed part of broader efforts to empower students to recognise, resist, and report activities that could expose them to trafficking and exploitation. Organisers stressed that the evolving nature of technology has created new avenues for traffickers and cybercriminals. These criminals increasingly target children and young people through various online schemes.
This initiative aligns with Ghana's ongoing struggle against human trafficking, a persistent social and economic challenge. The country continues to be a source, transit, and destination for victims of trafficking, impacting vulnerable populations. Educational programs like this are vital in strengthening community resilience against these criminal networks.
Mr. Afasi Komla, Director of Engage Now Africa and an anti-human trafficking expert, highlighted the urgency of such interventions. He stated that "preventing human trafficking requires sustained public education, particularly among young people who are increasingly exposed to digital risks." Chief Superintendent Alberta Ankrah, National Head of the Anti-Human Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons Unit (AHSTIP) of the Ghana Immigration Service, also participated, underscoring the collaborative effort needed.
Students were strongly encouraged to exercise caution when interacting with strangers online and to critically evaluate opportunities presented through digital platforms. They received advice on protecting personal information and verifying job or scholarship offers through trusted sources. Reporting suspicious online activities to appropriate authorities was also a key message.
The seminar, themed “Protecting Our Children; Ending Human Trafficking in Ghana,” brought together a diverse group of experts. These included professionals from law enforcement, government institutions, academia, healthcare, and civil society. Their collective insights provided students with practical guidance on identifying potential trafficking situations and protecting themselves from exploitation.
Panellists included SO Salome Gene, National Acting Head of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). ASP Mrs. Edith Tetteh-Charway of the Ghana Police Service and Mr. Kwame Adabo, Head of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit in Koforidua, also shared their expertise. Mrs. Ama Dzifa Amankwah, an international lawyer and child protection expert, contributed to the discussions.
Other experts included Mr. Ernest E. Ewusi, Head of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development at the Suhum Municipal Assembly. Nana Afua Ayesua McRighteous, a midwifery officer and founder of the Ayesua Foundation, also provided valuable perspectives. These experts collectively emphasised the growing importance of digital safety in combating human trafficking.
The organisers specifically noted that fake job advertisements, fraudulent scholarship offers, and online recruitment schemes are common tactics. Romance scams and deceptive messages on social media and gaming platforms are also used to lure unsuspecting victims. Understanding these methods is crucial for young people to avoid becoming targets.
Engage Now Africa and Ensign Global University expressed gratitude to SUTESCO management, staff, students, speakers, and partners. They reaffirmed their commitment to initiatives aimed at protecting children and combating online scams. These organisations continue to strengthen efforts to end human trafficking in Ghana, recognising that empowering young people with knowledge is critical for building safer communities.