Accra: The International Justice Mission (IJM) has issued a call to action, urging stakeholders to intensify their efforts in combating child labour and human trafficking to eradicate modern-day slavery and exploitation.
According to Ghana News Agency, while acknowledging the progress made since the enactment of the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), IJM highlighted the ongoing plight of thousands of children, particularly on Volta Lake, who remain trapped in exploitative conditions. Speaking at the 2025 National Justice Conference, Madam Anita Budu, Country Director of IJM, stressed the importance of providing adequate resources, enforcing laws more rigorously, and engaging the community on a broader scale to protect vulnerable children.
Madam Budu noted, “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.”
The National Justice Conference, an annual event organized by IJM, convened key stakeholders in the battle against human trafficking to evaluate progress and strategize for future initiatives. This year’s conference, themed ‘Reflecting on Milestones in Ghana’s Public Justice System: Renewing Commitment to Combat Human Trafficking,’ commemorated 20 years since the passage of the Human Trafficking Act, 2005, and marked the 10th anniversary of IJM’s work in Ghana.
Participants discussed advancements in strengthening the Public Justice System and renewed their commitment to leading the fight against human trafficking at all levels. Madam Budu announced IJM’s plans to expand its operations beyond the Central and Volta regions, aiming to significantly reduce child trafficking in the next decade.
“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 added.
DCOP Arhin Kwasi Annor, Director-General of Special Duties at the Ghana Police Service, emphasized the necessity of collaboration among stakeholders to effectively combat 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 stated.
Dr. Kwame Adusei, Deputy Director in charge of Standards, Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, outlined advancements in prosecuting trafficking-related offenses, mentioning the successful prosecution and sentencing of two individuals for human trafficking and child labour offenses. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to enforcing the law and emphasized the importance of structured and professional interventions in raising awareness and addressing advocacy and policy issues on human trafficking.