MoGCSP MARKS UN DAY AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING (BLUE DAY) WITH FOOTBALL GAMES

The Human Trafficking Secretariat of the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection marked the 2024 commemoration of the UN Day Against Human Trafficking (Blue Day) with a football tournament among four Senior High Schools, stakeholders, and the Ministry of Gender on Tuesday, 30th July 2024.

Organized under the theme “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking,” the tournament aimed to raise awareness about human trafficking and promote unity in combating this issue.

Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, highlighted that human trafficking affects millions of children worldwide, subjecting victims to exploitative and abusive conditions.

She emphasized that the Ministry is committed to implementing preventive measures through various thematic areas, including raising awareness through sports and humanitarian activities.

“Sports can offer opportunities for traffickers to exploit, thus preventing children from becoming victims while pursuing their sporting dreams,” she added.

The Chief Director acknowledged the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for its technical and financial support and for refurbishing the adult shelter to a more friendly state.

She pledged the government’s commitment to strengthening the legal framework, policies, and programs aimed at preventing human trafficking and holding perpetrators accountable.

In her statement, the Chief of Mission-IOM, Madam Fatou Dialo Ndiaye, reiterated IOM’s commitment to countering trafficking by working with the Government, other United Nations agencies, international and non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to achieve the shared goal of eliminating human trafficking.

The commemoration concluded with a football tournament among four Senior High Schools: Accra Academy, Odorgonno senior high school (OSSA), Wesley Grammar School, and Kaneshie Senior High Technical School-KATECO

The Ministry’s male and female teams also played against stakeholders from the human trafficking sector.

After a fierce competition, Wesley Grammar Senior High School emerged victorious over Odorgonno Senior High.

The overall winning team was awarded a projector and screen, exercise books, and other consolation prizes.

As the crowd dispersed, the message of Blue Day remained etched in their hearts.

The sports competition had not only been a display of athletic prowess but also a powerful reminder of the collective efforts needed to combat human trafficking in this country.

The event was organized with the support of Engage Now Africa – Ghana, IJM Ghana, Verité, International Needs Ghana, Right to be Free, OUR Rescue, IOM Ghana, and the Human Trafficking Fund.

Source: MoGCSP