By Caleb Kuleke
Ho, Oct. 30, GNA – The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has called for a collective national effort to eradicate child trafficking and protect the future of Ghanaian children.
According to the Ministry, human and child trafficking remain serious challenges that threaten human dignity, undermine fundamental rights, and expose vulnerable people to exploitation, abuse and suffering.
Mr Baafi Nsiah, Director of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs at the Ministry, made the call in Ho during a stakeholder dialogue on child trafficking.
The programme was organised by the International Justice Mission (IJM) in collaboration with the Ministry and the Volta Regional House of Chiefs.
The dialogue sought to raise awareness about child trafficking and child protection issues across the Volta Region while mobilising traditional leaders to take a leading role in efforts to eliminate the practice.
Mr Nsiah emphasised that every child deserved protection, care, and the opportunity to grow up in a safe and supportive environment.
He said no child should be denied education, family care, freedom or the opportunity to realise his or her full potential because of trafficking or exploitation.
According to him, tackling human trafficking requires sustained collaboration among all stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, traditional authorities, religious leaders, civil society organisations, families and local communities.
Mr Nsiah commended the IJM for its commitment to promoting justice, protecting vulnerable persons and supporting Ghana’s efforts to combat human trafficking.
“We must work together to identify and report suspicious activities, protect victims, support survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable in accordance with the law,” he urged.
The Director noted that traditional and religious leaders wield considerable influence within their communities and therefore have a critical role to play in combating child trafficking.
He said chiefs, queen mothers and religious leaders, as trusted voices, were uniquely positioned to educate the public, challenge harmful practices and advocate for the protection of children.
Mr Nsiah observed that the active involvement of traditional authorities was essential in preventing trafficking and encouraging community members to report suspected cases of exploitation.
He underscored the need to equip families and communities with accurate information on the dangers of trafficking, the deceptive methods employed by traffickers, and the importance of verifying promises relating to employment and educational opportunities.
Mr Nsiah described the dialogue as an important platform for stakeholders to deepen their understanding of the phenomenon, share practical experiences, strengthen partnerships and renew their commitment to protecting children and promoting safer communities.
Togbega Tepre Hodo IV, President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of the Anfoega Traditional Area, said child trafficking required urgent national attention to safeguard children and secure the country’s future.
He emphasised the need for a coordinated response, warning that failure to address the challenge decisively could have serious consequences for national development.
Togbega Tepre Hodo IV called for the implementation of comprehensive measures to make child trafficking unprofitable for criminal networks and advocated stronger punitive sanctions to deter offenders.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Caleb Kuleke