By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, Oct. 9, GNA – Ghana has been upgraded from Tier Two to One in the United States Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, which indicates that the country fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking.
International Justice Mission (IJM) Ghana, in a statement issued on Friday to the Ghana News Agency, congratulated the Government of Ghana and stakeholders for the achievement, describing it as a reflection of sustained commitment and coordinated action.
The statement said the upgrade was driven by measurable progress during the reporting period.
“The government prosecuted 212 alleged traffickers, secured 28 convictions, and identified 2,331 trafficking victims, with all identified victims referred to appropriate support services.
The period also saw increased funding for victim assistance, expanded training for frontline officers, and strengthened international cooperation to tackle emerging forms of trafficking, including cyber-enabled exploitation, the statement said.
It commended the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and its Human Trafficking Secretariat for coordinating national efforts, as well as the Office of the Attorney-General, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Ministry of Labour, and Parliamentary Select Committees for their roles in prosecution, investigation and policy oversight.
It also acknowledged the contributions of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), civil society organisations, NGOs, the media, faith-based and traditional leaders, as well as the public for their respective roles.
IJM Ghana however noted that despite the upgrade, child trafficking remained a critical challenge.
It said the TIP Report highlighted continued exploitation of children in fishing on Lake Volta and coastal areas, as well as in domestic work, street hawking, agriculture, artisanal mining, quarrying, and herding.
It also pointed to the increasing use of technology and fraudulent job offers to recruit and exploit victims.
The statement further cited limited shelter capacity, especially for adult survivors, and the need for additional investment in rural communities, specialised training on cyber trafficking, and survivor-centered services.
Reacting to the development, the statement quoted IJM’s Director for the West Africa Programme, Madam Anita Budu, as saying, “Ghana’s elevation to Tier 1 status is a significant national achievement that reflects the power of coordinated action and collective commitment. We commend the Government of Ghana and all stakeholders whose dedication has contributed to this milestone.”
“At the same time, we recognise that thousands of children and vulnerable adults remain at risk of trafficking and exploitation. This achievement should inspire us to work even harder to ensure every child is safe, every survivor is protected, and every trafficker is held accountable,” it added.
IJM Ghana said the Tier 1 status should not be seen as the end of anti-trafficking efforts but as a platform for deeper action, calling for sustained collaboration and adequate resourcing of frontline institutions.
GNA
Edited by Christabel Addo
Reporter: Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA
Email: [email protected]