Dr. Afisah Zakaria, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, has highlighted the harsh reality of human trafficking, which affects millions of children worldwide. This modern-day slavery subjects victims to exploitative and abusive conditions.
She made this statement during the commemoration of this year’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (Blue Day) held at the Accra Academy Senior High School in Accra. The theme for the event was “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking.”
The purpose of the commemoration is to raise awareness of human trafficking and empower children who are most vulnerable to it. The event underscores the critical need for inclusive and focused efforts to protect children.
Observed annually on July 30, the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons aims to raise awareness about human trafficking and to promote and protect the rights of trafficking victims. This year’s theme focuses on the intersection of sports and human trafficking, highlighting how traffickers can exploit sporting activities to target the youth. The goal is to ensure that no one falls victim to exploitation while pursuing their sporting dreams.
Participating teams included Accra Academy Senior High School, Odorgonno Senior High School, Kaneshie Senior High Technical School, and Wesley Grammar Senior High School. Before the football competition,
Dr. Afisah emphasized the need to create a world where every child can grow up safe, free, and empowered to reach their full potential.
“To the children gathered here today, I want to emphasize that ‘there is no place like home.’ Dear young ones, don’t be spectators in the affairs that concern you. Acquire knowledge, stand out, speak out, and get counted in the fight against human trafficking,” she said.
She also urged the media to join the campaign by hosting expert discussions and talk shows on how to migrate safely. “Irregular migration, using unapproved routes, seeking help from middlemen, and using unregistered recruitment agents make you vulnerable to human trafficking. We must address the root causes and the push-and-pull factors that lead to human trafficking. Traffickers and migrant smugglers take advantage of your vulnerability and poverty to traffic you. Avoid such instances. Be vigilant and travel safely.”
Dr. Afisah reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the legal framework, policies, and programs aimed at preventing trafficking, supporting survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable. “Our collaboration extends beyond national borders as we work closely with international partners, civil society organizations, and local communities to ensure that no child is left behind in this fight.”
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) Global Report on Trafficking in Persons (GLOTIP), children are twice as likely to face violence during trafficking than adults. Child trafficking violates their rights and denies them the ability to reach their full potential.
The Chief of Mission at IOM, Falou Dialo Ndiaye, noted that their organization has conducted numerous community sensitization activities and social media campaigns, recognizing social media as an emerging tool for recruiting potential victims. “In 2023, IOM Ghana assisted the humanitarian return of fifty victims of trafficking, more than half of whom were young women from the Gulf regions. These victims have been equipped to start and manage micro-business enterprises to support themselves and their families.”
She affirmed that trafficking in persons is a grievous crime and a severe human rights violation affecting men, women, and children worldwide. IOM is deeply committed to countering trafficking by working closely with governments, other United Nations agencies, international and non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to achieve the shared goal of eliminating trafficking.
