By Ewoenam Kpodo
Ho, June 23, GNA – Some pupils in Hohoe have been equipped with knowledge on human rights and ways to prevent human trafficking, as organisations and state agencies joined efforts to protect children in the municipality from exploitation.
Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) Ghana, in collaboration with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), organised a two-day Human Rights Education and Human Trafficking Prevention programme at Hohoe E.P. Basic School and Gbi Kledzo Special School.
Mr Issak K. Boateng, Deputy Director of CHRAJ in Hohoe, led sessions on human trafficking, describing it as “modern-day slavery” that relies on force, fraud, or coercion.
He outlined three major forms of trafficking for the pupils: labour trafficking in farms and mines, fraudulent recruitment through fake job or scholarship offers, and sex trafficking that targets vulnerable children.
Mr Boateng advised learners not to share personal information with strangers, to be wary of offers that appear too good to be true, and to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
He also explained fundamental human rights, including the rights to life, dignity, equality, freedom of speech, movement, food, and shelter, stressing that these rights belong to every person regardless of disability or background.
Mr Ernest Amedior, Hohoe Municipal Director of the NCCE, educated pupils on their civic responsibilities under the 1992 Constitution and explained Ghana’s Coat of Arms and other national symbols in Ewe.
Mr George Hawkins Adzomah, National Coordinator of YHRI Ghana, took learners through the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), focusing on Article 26, which guarantees the right to education, and Article 29, which highlights responsibilities to the community.
He encouraged pupils to practise tolerance, uphold justice and peace, and contribute positively to national development.
YHRI Ghana, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting human rights education and activism among young people, also distributed copies of its “What Are Human Rights?” booklet, which contains all 30 articles of the UDHR.
The organisers expressed appreciation to the Ghana Education Service, National Youth Authority, Hohoe Sector Command of the Ghana Immigration Service, CHRAJ, NCCE, UN Volunteers, and participating school authorities for their support.
Participants described the programme as a valuable initiative that equipped learners with knowledge of their rights and practical tools to protect themselves and others from trafficking and exploitation.
The programme was attended by about 579 people, including learners, headteachers, teachers, and facilitators.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Audrey Dekalu
Reporter: Ewoenam Kpodo, GNA