The West Africa Director of the International Justice Mission has called for increased funding and stronger collaboration to intensify the fight against human trafficking in Ghana and across the sub-region.
Speaking at the media launch ahead of this year’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, popularly known as Blue Day, the Director stressed that anti-human trafficking institutions cannot function effectively without adequate resources.
Addressing government officials, civil society organisations, media practitioners and development partners, the Director said trafficking networks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, especially through the use of digital platforms and false promises targeted at vulnerable young people.
“Even the strongest systems cannot function without resources,” the Director stated, calling on government to increase budgetary allocations to the Human Trafficking Fund while also encouraging support from institutions, organisations and individuals.
The Director explained that increased funding would strengthen prevention efforts, empower police officers to act swiftly, support social workers caring for survivors, and equip prosecutors to pursue justice for victims.
According to the Director, this year’s theme, “Human Trafficking Can End: The Time is Now – Blow the Whistle on Sports Trafficking,” is particularly relevant due to the growing exploitation of young people through fake sports opportunities.
To highlight the danger, the Director referenced the case of 76 young Ghanaians who were reportedly trafficked to Nigeria after being lured with promises of football contracts with foreign clubs.
The victims, according to the speech, were recruited through social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp with attractive offers and promises of a better future.
However, upon arrival in Nigeria, their phones and travel documents were confiscated and they were allegedly held in overcrowded rooms while their families were extorted for fake training and processing fees. Some victims were also reportedly forced into cyber fraud operations.
“This is not just a story of deception; it is a story of trafficking,” the Director emphasized.
The International Justice Mission praised the collaborative efforts of the Ghana Police Service, Interpol and Nigerian authorities, which led to the rescue and return of the victims to Ghana. Arrests were also made in connection with the case.
Despite the success of the rescue operation, the Director noted that the incident exposed major gaps in prevention systems and demonstrated how traffickers continue to exploit digital spaces and unsuspecting victims.
The media was therefore urged to play a more active role in fighting trafficking by raising awareness, challenging harmful social norms and encouraging victims and communities to report suspected cases.
“You are not just storytellers; you are first responders to truth,” the Director told journalists.
The Director added that many trafficking cases remain unreported because victims fear shame, retaliation or not being believed. However, reporting through responsible journalism, trusted community leaders or directly through the justice system could help increase protection and reduce trafficking.
International Justice Mission reaffirmed its commitment to partnering governments, justice institutions and communities to protect vulnerable people from violence, human trafficking and child exploitation.
“As we build up to World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, our message is simple: This is the time to act to end human trafficking,” the Director concluded.
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