Sixteen Nigerian teenagers trafficked into Ghana under the guise of job opportunities have been rescued in a joint operation involving Engage Now Africa, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, and the Department of Social Welfare.
The rescue operation was carried out following a tip-off from a Good Samaritan in Suhum, who alerted authorities to suspicious activities involving young girls believed to have been trafficked from Nigeria.
According to Lydia Ohenewa Sarah, a consultant with EMS and Programme Manager at Engage Now Africa, the victims had been lured with promises of lucrative employment opportunities but were instead subjected to exploitation in locations including Accra and Suhum.
Investigations revealed that while some of the girls were forced into labour, others were subjected to sexual exploitation, highlighting the severity of the trafficking operation.
Ms. Ohenewa attributed the rise in such cases to factors including poverty, unemployment, and the growing demand for cheap labour and commercial sex services.
She commended the collaborative efforts of the security agencies and social welfare officers in rescuing the victims and facilitating their rehabilitation. The girls have since received medical care and logistical support, with arrangements underway for their safe return to Nigeria.
In partnership with United Way Ghana, Engage Now Africa has signed a memorandum of understanding to support the reintegration of the victims into their communities.
Ms. Ohenewa also warned parents and guardians to remain vigilant, noting that traffickers often exploit trust within families and communities. She further cautioned young people, especially women, to be wary of online recruitment schemes that promise opportunities abroad but lead to exploitation.
As part of its prevention efforts, Engage Now Africa has developed educational materials aimed at raising awareness about the tactics used in human trafficking and sexual exploitation.