Minister Calls for Urgent Anti-Trafficking Action

  


The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has issued a passionate call for national unity and urgency in the fight against human trafficking, as Ghana begins activities marking the World Day Against Human Trafficking (Blue Day) and the 20th anniversary of the Human Trafficking Act (Act 694).

Delivering the keynote address at a media launch held at the Accra City Hotel, the Minister emphasized the need for "intentional and inclusive efforts" to reach every victim and hold perpetrators accountable. She said this year’s global theme, “Reach Every Victim of Trafficking – Leave No One Behind,” must resonate deeply across all sectors of Ghanaian society.

“Let this be more than a commemoration. Let this be a recommitment. Let us educate, legislate, and activate,” Dr. Lartey urged.
“Victims are being enslaved, raped, and dehumanized by exploiters. Some are deceived into leaving Ghana under false pretenses, only to suffer abuse and trauma abroad. This must end.”

She further highlighted that Ghana’s Human Trafficking Act, passed in 2005, has laid a critical foundation for protecting survivors and prosecuting offenders, but significant challenges still persist, including limited male shelters, inadequate victim support systems, and the complex nature of cyber-enabled and labor trafficking.

Dr. Lartey expressed deep concern about the number of Ghanaians using irregular migration routes, exposing themselves to unimaginable horrors, including death in deserts or drowning at sea. “Human trafficking is real. Report it. Defend the vulnerable,” she emphasized.

Also addressing the gathering, Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, reaffirmed the Ministry’s mandate to coordinate anti-trafficking efforts and emphasized that the 20th anniversary of the Human Trafficking Act presents an opportunity to evaluate successes, gaps, and areas for reform.
Her speech was delivered on her behalf by Madam Abena Anobea, Head of the Human Trafficking Secretariat.

> “Our legal and institutional frameworks have advanced. But the evolving tactics of traffickers demand we reassess our tools and policies,” the statement noted.

 

She added that this year’s commemoration is not only a reflection but also a blueprint for future strategies. Activities lined up include awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagements, training of law enforcement officers, and reviews of the legal framework in light of emerging trends like cyber trafficking.

Acknowledging partners such as the International Justice Mission, ILO, Engage Now Africa, and others, both the Minister and Chief Director emphasized the critical role of collaboration in dismantling trafficking networks and providing survivor-centered support systems.

The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, civil society groups, law enforcement agencies, and the media. It kickstarts a month-long nationwide awareness campaign ahead of July 30, the UN-designated day to honor trafficking victims and advocate stronger global action.

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