Rising Global Human Trafficking Threatens Ghanaian Youth; Ministry Warns of Traffickers Harvesting Human Organs
Human trafficking is a growing concern worldwide due to its economic benefits for traffickers, according to the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP). The Ministry has issued a warning to Ghanaian youth aspiring to travel abroad, urging them to be patient and ensure they have the necessary travel documents to avoid falling into the hands of traffickers who engage in organ harvesting and sales.
Deputy Minister of the MoGCSP, Mrs. Francisca Oteng Mensah, emphasized that victims of human trafficking often suffer severe human rights abuses at the hands of traffickers. Alarmed by the escalating number of human trafficking cases globally, Mrs. Mensah urged potential travelers to be vigilant to protect themselves from becoming victims.
Speaking during an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at a community dialogue event in Yamfo, a mining community in the Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region, Mrs. Mensah stressed that traveling abroad is not a negative prospect. However, she emphasized the importance of thorough background checks and verifying the credibility of the numerous travel agencies operating in Ghana.
Mrs. Mensah expressed deep concern for the innocent Ghanaian victims, particularly young women, who have fallen prey to traffickers and are subjected to commercial and domestic sexual exploitation in various parts of the world. She acknowledged the Ministry’s efforts in raising awareness and combating human trafficking but highlighted the persistent desire among young people to travel abroad as a challenge to these efforts.
The Ghanaian government has made significant progress in rescuing and reintegrating victims of trafficking over the past six years. Mrs. Mensah commended the effectiveness of the shelter homes across the country, despite acknowledging that improvement is needed. She praised the collaborative support from civil society and non-governmental organizations in running these shelters and called for continued concerted efforts to minimize the activities of human traffickers.
Mrs. Mensah highlighted that aiding human trafficking is a punishable offense, and the Ministry is dedicated to arresting and prosecuting offenders. Dr. Freda Prempeh, the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources and the Member of Parliament for Tano North, echoed the need for community leaders, chiefs, and queens’ support in tackling human trafficking. She called upon families and parents to discourage their relatives from traveling abroad without proper travel documents.
Nana Appiah Afrane, the Sanaahene of the Yamfo Traditional Area, expressed gratitude to the MoGCSP and the Member of Parliament for the enlightening community dialogue. He voiced hope that the Ministry would intensify its efforts in raising awareness and sensitizing the public.
The rise in global human trafficking poses a significant threat to Ghanaian youth, prompting the Ministry to issue a timely warning. By spreading awareness, implementing effective rescue and reintegration programs, and fostering collaboration with various stakeholders, Ghana aims to combat human trafficking and protect its vulnerable citizens from exploitation.
