MoGCSP MARKS 2025 WORLD DAY AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS WITH HEALTH WALK

As part of global efforts to combat human trafficking, the Human Trafficking Secretariat under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) joined the international community on Tuesday, July 30, 2025, to observe Blue Day with a spirited health walk through Accra.

Themed “The Human Trafficking Law @ 20: The Journey So Far in Ghana,” the event aimed to raise awareness about human trafficking and highlight Ghana’s ongoing efforts in the fight against this modern form of slavery, particularly under the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694).

The commemoration provided an opportunity to reflect on the successes, progress, challenges, and way forward in the fight against human trafficking in Ghana over the past two decades.

Participants, including staff of MoGCSP, representatives from civil society organisations, security agencies, development partners, and members of the general public, gathered early in the morning clad in blue T-shirts, symbolic of solidarity against trafficking. With placards bearing messages such as “Stop Human Trafficking Now!”, “Protect Victims, Punish Offenders,” and “Support the Human Trafficking Fund,” the marchers walked through major streets, drawing the attention of onlookers and passersby.

Delivering her keynote address at the event, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, emphasized the importance of collective action in combating human trafficking.

She noted that while Ghana has made considerable progress over the years in policy development, public sensitization, and victim protection, more remains to be done, particularly in the areas of law enforcement, cross-border cooperation, and survivor rehabilitation.

The Minister highlighted that the Government, through the Ministry, has developed the Human Trafficking National Plan of Action (NPA) 2022–2026, which is supporting the effective implementation of the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694).

Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey stressed that the Ministry is committed to implementing preventive measures through various thematic areas. She urged participants to “say something when you see something,” noting that public vigilance is crucial in combating the menace.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Director of MoGCSP, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, acknowledged development partners for their unwavering support in the fight against human trafficking.

She encouraged the public to report suspected cases of trafficking and to support ongoing sensitization efforts at the community level.

The Chief Director also called for stronger collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, the media, and traditional leaders to tackle the root causes of trafficking such as poverty, ignorance, and lack of economic opportunities.

The walk concluded with solidarity statements from key partners, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), UNICEF, and CNACT, all of whom reiterated their commitment to supporting Ghana’s anti-trafficking efforts.

The 2025 Blue Day commemoration served as a timely reminder of the dangers of human trafficking and the need for sustained efforts to prevent, protect, and prosecute.

Through activities like the health walk, MoGCSP continues to mobilize national consciousness and reaffirm its resolve to safeguard the rights and dignity of vulnerable populations across the country.

Source: MoGCSP