CONSULTATIVE MEETING ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND MIGRANT SMUGGLING

The Human Trafficking Secretariat of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in collaboration with the European Union Delegation to Ghana has held a one-day Stakeholders Consultative meeting on Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling on Wednesday, 19th March 2025.

The meeting aimed to discuss issues on human trafficking and migrant smuggling in relation to the EU funded action.

Speaking at the meeting on behalf of the Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr Afisah Zakariah, the Head of the Human Trafficking Secretariat, Madam Abena Annobea Asare gave an overview of the HT Secretariat’s goals and objectives. Thus, she emphasized the importance of collaborating with international partners, such as the EU and Expertise France, to combat human trafficking and migrants smuggling in the country.

Madam Abena Annobea Asare urged the participants to contribute effectively, assess current challenges, and explore strategies in order to strengthen the policy implementation and enforcement mechanisms.

On their part, the Head of Sector European Union, Ms Anna Lixi, Head of Governance and Security Expertise France, Ms Camille Pestre expressed solidarity with the ministry’s efforts in fighting human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

They reaffirmed their organisation’s commitment to backing initiatives that fight against such hienous act in Ghana.

The meeting featured discussions on;

-Current trends and challenges: The stakeholders provided insights into trafficking and smuggling partens, key vulnerabilities, emerging trafficking and smuggling threats in the country.

-Legal and Institutional frameworks: they also outlined national and international obligations, highlighting progress and gaps in logistics and capacity building for law enforcement officers.

-Stakeholders’ roles and coordination: Participants discussed the need for improved collaboration among government institutions, law enforcement officers, CSO’s, and development partners.

-Emphasis was placed on enhancing victims’ support services, strengthening law enforcement responses, and raising public awareness on human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

The consultative meeting provided a vital platform for the stakeholders to discuss strategies, identify gaps, and reinforce commitments to combating Human Trafficking.

Source: MoGCSP