Members of the Parliament of Ghana are participating in a two-day strategic training programme aimed at deepening their understanding of human trafficking and its gender dimensions.
The programme, which began on April 9 and runs through April 10, 2026, brings together members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Gender and the Gender Equity Committee.
It is being organised by the Human Trafficking Secretariat under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, in collaboration with International Justice Mission (IJM).
The training is designed to equip lawmakers with the knowledge and tools needed to respond more effectively to human trafficking in Ghana, particularly its impact on women and girls.
Participants are being taken through a range of topics, including the gender dynamics of trafficking, irregular migration, human smuggling, child labour, and the growing threat of trafficking as an organised crime.
The sessions also focus on law enforcement strategies, rescue operations, victim protection, rehabilitation, reintegration, and community engagement.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, highlighted the disproportionate impact of trafficking on women and girls.
“Women and girls constitute the majority of victims globally and in Ghana,” she noted, adding that the country continues to serve as a source, transit, and destination point for trafficking.
She also raised concern about emerging trends, particularly cyber-related exploitation, which is adding a new layer of complexity to the fight against trafficking.
Dr. Lartey outlined government interventions, including existing legislation and the National Plan of Action, and called for stronger coordination among stakeholders.
She urged participants to translate lessons from the training into tangible outcomes. “We must turn these insights into concrete actions that will strengthen prevention, protection, and prosecution,” she said.
In a welcome address delivered on behalf of the Chief Director, Dr Marian W. A. Kpakpah, the Head of the General Administration Directorate, Ebenezer Charway, described human trafficking as a serious violation of human dignity.
“It disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, especially women and children,” he said, calling for stronger collaboration, innovation, and sustained commitment to tackle the issue.
Organisers say the training is expected to strengthen Parliament’s role in legislation, oversight, and advocacy in the fight against human trafficking, while enhancing protection for vulnerable groups across the country.
The programme continues on Friday with additional sessions.
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