On September 29, 2026, more than 80 churches across Ghana participated in the global Freedom Sunday campaign, aimed at raising awareness and mobilizing action against human trafficking, exploitation, and oppression. The event, held in partnership with the International Justice Mission (IJM) Ghana and Impact City Church, brought together worshippers at Winners Chapel Ghana in Tamale for a special service of prayer, worship, and advocacy.
The Project Manager for IJM Ghana in Tamale, Ms Shirley Dungu Issifu, addressed the congregation, urging Christians to take a stand against human trafficking and exploitation, particularly involving children. She emphasized that Freedom Sunday was an opportunity for Christians to reflect on God's call for justice and support efforts to secure freedom and dignity for vulnerable people.
According to Ms Issifu, the campaign had provided opportunities for IJM to share messages on justice through prayer gatherings, Sabbath observances, and fellowships with congregations. She expressed concern about children subjected to hazardous labor, particularly along the Volta Lake, where some children were reportedly involved in dangerous fishing activities, and on cocoa farms, where many children were exposed to exploitation.
Ms Issifu called on Christians and communities to play an active role in protecting vulnerable people and reporting situations of exploitation. She stated that IJM Ghana was working with the Ghana Police Service, the Department of Social Welfare, and community leaders to strengthen efforts to protect poor and vulnerable people, but stressed that the fight against human trafficking required the involvement of the wider society.
The Pastor of Winners Chapel International, Tamale, Pastor Adeniyi Salako, also participated in the Freedom Sunday observance. The event in Tamale was part of wider activities in Ghana aimed at encouraging churches and communities to become advocates for the protection of vulnerable persons and the prevention of exploitation.
Freedom Sunday is observed internationally by churches and Christian communities as a day of prayer, reflection, and action against modern forms of slavery and human trafficking. Ms Issifu encouraged Christians to pray for leaders and victims of violence and exploitation, while also joining advocacy and prayer-support initiatives.
IJM Ghana will continue to work with churches and other stakeholders to promote justice, freedom, and dignity for vulnerable people. The observance of Freedom Sunday in Ghana highlights the country's efforts to combat human trafficking and exploitation, and the crucial role that churches and communities can play in this fight.
Key points
- Over 80 churches in Ghana participated in the Freedom Sunday campaign to raise awareness on human trafficking.
