Anti-trafficking organisation Challenging Heights has welcomed Ghana's elevation to Tier 1 in the United States Department of State's 2026 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. The organisation described the ranking as "an important milestone and clear evidence that collaboration works". It congratulated state institutions, non-governmental organisations, and other partners whose efforts contributed to the achievement. Challenging Heights urged the government to sustain progress through increased investment and stronger anti-trafficking systems.
In 2025, Ghana investigated 222 trafficking cases, prosecuted 212 alleged traffickers, and secured 28 convictions. The number of victims identified and referred to services rose to 2,331 in 2025, from 794 in 2024. The government allocated GH¢3.452 million for direct victim services in 2025, up from GH¢2.85 million the previous year. Challenging Heights cited these figures, saying they showed what was possible with greater investment.
However, Challenging Heights raised concerns about cross-border trafficking, citing figures showing that foreign nationals accounted for 1,469 of the victims identified, compared with 862 Ghanaians. Nigerians represented the largest group among foreign victims, with 896 people. The organisation said these figures reflected its own experience, having worked with state agencies since 2025 to rescue and repatriate 230 Nigerians.
Despite the improved ranking, Challenging Heights identified several areas requiring urgent attention. Children continue to face exploitation in fishing, domestic servitude, street hawking, artisanal mining, and agriculture. The organisation highlighted trafficking and forced labour in the Lake Volta fishing industry, where women and girls face risks of sexual abuse.
Challenging Heights is calling on the government to allocate at least GH¢20 million to survivor services, including safe shelters for children and adults, healthcare, psychosocial support, legal assistance, and long-term reintegration. The organisation also proposed a specialised court to handle trafficking cases and called for a more child-friendly justice system.
The organisation cautioned against interpreting Ghana's Tier 1 ranking as evidence that trafficking had been eliminated. Challenging Heights said it would continue supporting rescue operations, helping survivors rebuild their lives, strengthening communities, and advocating for systems to prevent exploitation. Since 2005, Challenging Heights has worked to combat child trafficking in Ghana, supporting the rescue of over 3,000 children and young people.
Ghana's Tier 1 classification recognises government efforts to meet the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking under the US assessment framework. Challenging Heights says sustaining that status will require continued funding, stronger survivor services, and measures to address persistent weaknesses in prevention and justice.
Key points
- Challenging Heights calls for increased funding to support anti-trafficking efforts in Ghana.
- The organisation proposes a specialised court to handle trafficking cases and a more child-friendly justice system.
- Ghana's Tier 1 ranking in the US Trafficking in Persons Report recognises government efforts to eliminate trafficking.
