By Isaac Newton Tetteh, GNA
Aburi (E/R), May 21, GNA — The International Justice Mission (IJM)-Ghana has called on the government and relevant state institutions to intensify efforts at addressing the growing menace of human trafficking and related forms of child exploitation in Ghana.
Mr Benjamin Brantuo, Government Relations Specialist at International Justice Mission Ghana, made the call during a workshop for journalists at Aburi in the Eastern Region.
Mr Brantuo said human trafficking, which involved child labour and the exploitation of children, remained prevalent in several communities across the country and required urgent interventions from the government and stakeholders.
He noted that the increasing rate of child trafficking and exploitative child labour had become a major concern and therefore called for swift and decisive actions to address the challenge.
He stated that approximately 38 per cent of children were likely victims of trafficking, while another 45 per cent were engaged in exploitative child labour practices.
According to him, such situations continued to deprive children of their rights, education, safety and overall well-being, thereby threatening their future development.
Mr Brantuo underscored the need for stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organisations, traditional authorities and the media, to collaborate effectively to prevent and protect the dignity and rights of children against individuals involved in such unlawful activities.
He stressed that protecting children from abuse and exploitation should remain a national priority, adding that stronger enforcement of laws and policies against trafficking offences would help reduce the problem.
“The time has come for government and state institutions to act swiftly and decisively to curb the menace and ensure that children are protected from all forms of exploitation,” he said.
Mr Brantuo also highlighted the role of the media in raising awareness and supporting advocacy efforts aimed at addressing human trafficking and related issues in society.
More than 30 journalists from various media organisations are participating in a three-day training workshop on human trafficking and related activities at Aburi.
The training is expected to equip participants with the requisite knowledge and skills to report effectively on human trafficking issues and support ongoing efforts to combat the practice across the country.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Benjamin Mensah