The Chief Director at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Afisah Zakariah has reiterated that all persons are expected and mandated under regulation 7 of the Human Trafficking Legislative Instrument to report suspected cases of trafficking in any form to the Police.
She said this at the Commemoration of UN Day Against Trafficking in Persons (Blue Day).
The UN Day Against Trafficking commemorated under the auspices of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) was on the theme, “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking ”.
The event brought together stakeholders and students from first and second cycle schools to debate and deliberate on how to stop human trafficking and as well create awareness.
The students debated on whether or not “Sports Can Be An Avenue For Human Trafficking” amongst others.
The Police Depot Junior High School was for the motion while the Tesano 1 Junior High School who were against the motion won.
The Accra Academy Senior High School who also had a debate with Odorgonno Senior High School won the debate over a similar topic.
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Speaking at the event, Dr Afisah Zakariah also underscored the need to create awareness on human trafficking to curb the menace.
“The regulation specifically mentions the obligation for the Ministry to educate all classes of people as Ghana is a source, transit and a destination country and we need to increase awareness and community sensitization to address this menace,” Dr Afisah stated.
She continued,“Our collective responsibility is to eradicate human trafficking. By educating and advocating, we empower our children and communities to recognize the signs and take preventive action. Let us create a world where every child lives free from fear and exploitation, enjoying their formative years in safety,” she added.
An Executive Committee Member of the Coalition of NGOs Against Child Trafficking (CNAT), Mrs Jacqui Oyimer also pointed that some of the challenges that confront the fight against child trafficking is that sometimes when culprits are apprehended, some chiefs, political leaders, or ‘powerful’ people interfere and plead on their behalf.
Aside from that, she mentioned that lack or inadequate funding and material resources were also challenges confronting the fight against human trafficking.
“We call upon the government, law enforcement agencies, and the entire nation to unite in our efforts to protect children. We need to develop a system and rhythm that would propel effective collaboration in operations, data gathering and information sharing,” she stated.
Mrs Jacqui Oyimer urged the continuous proactive enforcement of laws to prevent child trafficking, to prosecute perpetrators, and to provide comprehensive support services for survivors.
She also advised that political actors who seek to use their office to interfere in cases or facilitate trafficking in any form should be exposed and prosecuted without fear or favour.
“We urge the government to continue to increase investment in protection and intervention programs, awareness-raising campaigns, and community-based initiatives to empower children and their families. We urgently need to put restored and appropriate aged survivors at the forefront of this fight,” she stated.
Mrs Jacqui Oyimer continued that,”To this end, we recommend that the government works with Civil Society Organizations and care-homes to develop a comprehensive database of survivors and provide a centralized platform where they can continue to receive psychological and material support for well-being and human trafficking advocacy.”
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
