The Western North Regional Police Command has received newly established and equipped offices for its Anti-Human Trafficking Unit and the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) to strengthen the fight against human trafficking, child exploitation and violence against vulnerable persons in the region.
The facilities were established through a partnership between the International Justice Mission (IJM) and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands as part of efforts to improve the capacity of law enforcement agencies to respond to cases involving vulnerable victims.
The new facility includes a child-friendly interviewing space designed to provide a more appropriate environment for interviewing children and other vulnerable victims. Logistical support has also been provided to the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development and the DOVVSU office.
Speaking at the inauguration of the facilities, Country Director of IJM, Anita Budu, said the organisation’s objective was to strengthen justice systems to ensure that laws were effectively enforced, crime was deterred and vulnerable people were protected from violence and exploitation.
She expressed appreciation to the Western North Regional Police Command, the Ghana Police Service, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and other partners for their commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.
Ms Budu said stronger collaboration among law enforcement agencies and other institutions was essential to addressing crimes such as human trafficking and child exploitation, particularly where victims require both protection and support.
The Western North Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Tsidi, commended IJM and its partners for supporting the command with the facilities and logistics.
He, however, appealed to the government through the Western North Regional Minister, Wilbert Petty Brentum, to help complete the construction of the official regional police headquarters.
According to him, the command currently faces limited space for administrative services, making the completion of the regional headquarters important to improving its operations.
The new offices are expected to enhance the command’s ability to handle trafficking, domestic violence and other cases involving vulnerable persons while providing a more supportive environment for victims who come into contact with the justice system.
