Africa-Press – Ghana. The International Justice Mission (IJM) has called for intensified efforts among stakeholders to combat child labour and human trafficking to end modern-day slavery and exploitation.
While recognising progress made in the fight against human trafficking since the passage of the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), the IJM said thousands of children were still in bondage particularly on the Volta Lake.
Speaking to journalists at the 2025 National Justice Conference, Madam Anita Budu, Country Director, IJM, emphasised the need for adequate resourcing, stronger law enforcement, and broader community engagement to protect vulnerable children.
“Over the last ten years, we have seen remarkable progress in trauma-informed care, survivor-centred services, and community awareness. But the fight is far from over. Trafficked children on Lake Volta continue to face immense danger, and without sufficient resources and stronger enforcement, the cycle of abuse will persist,” she said.
The National Justice Conference, a flagship annual gathering convened by IJM, brought together key stakeholders in the fight against human trafficking to assess progress made and strategise for the future.
This year’s conference, on the theme: “Reflecting on Milestones in Ghana’s Public Justice System: Renewing Commitment to Combat Human Trafficking” marked 20 years since the passage of the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 and 10th Anniversary of IJM’s work in Ghana.
The participants also discussed progress made in strengthening the Public Justice System and renewed their shared commitment to spearheading the fight against human trafficking at all levels.
Madam Budu said, IJM was working to expand its operations beyond the Central and Volta regions, adding that the goal was to reduce the prevalence of child trafficking drastically in the next 10 years.
She said IJM would continue to work with, and support key stakeholders to address identified shortfalls and strengthen national capacity to tackle the menace.
“Our vision is that, ten years from now, we will not be talking about trafficking at the prevalence levels we see today. We want to get to a place where government partners can operate independently, laws are fully enforced, and children are safe to live, learn, and thrive,” she said.
DCOP Arhin Kwasi Annor, the Director-General of Special Duties at the Ghana Police Service, called for more collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen fight against human trafficking, exploitation, abuse, and corruption.
“The duty of the police is to protect the vulnerable, to uphold the rule of law, and to be guardians of peace. But the police alone cannot succeed in this task, no law enforcement entity can. It is only through partnerships that we find the strength to deliver lasting justice,” he said.
Dr. Kwame Adusei, Deputy Director in charge of Standards, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, outlined some progress made in the prosecution of trafficking-related offenses.
He revealed that two individuals were successfully prosecuted and sentenced for offenses of human trafficking and child labour, and pledged the state’s resolve to enforce the law.
“When it comes to raising awareness and addressing advocacy and policy issues on human trafficking, it is important that our interventions are structured and professional,” he said.
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