Ghana has been upgraded from Tier Two to One in the United States Department of State's Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. This indicates that the country fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking. The upgrade reflects measurable progress during the reporting period, including prosecution of alleged traffickers and identification of victims.
According to the International Justice Mission (IJM) Ghana, the government prosecuted 212 alleged traffickers, secured 28 convictions, and identified 2,331 trafficking victims. All identified victims were referred to appropriate support services. The period also saw increased funding for victim assistance, expanded training for frontline officers, and strengthened international cooperation to tackle emerging forms of trafficking.
IJM Ghana commended the Government of Ghana and stakeholders for the achievement, describing it as a reflection of sustained commitment and coordinated action. The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and its Human Trafficking Secretariat were recognized for coordinating national efforts. Other stakeholders, including the Office of the Attorney-General and civil society organizations, were also acknowledged for their roles.
Despite the upgrade, child trafficking remains a critical challenge in Ghana. The TIP Report highlighted continued exploitation of children in fishing on Lake Volta and coastal areas, as well as in domestic work and other sectors. The report also noted the increasing use of technology and fraudulent job offers to recruit and exploit victims.
IJM Ghana's Director for the West Africa Programme, Madam Anita Budu, welcomed the upgrade, describing it as a significant national achievement. However, she emphasized that thousands of children and vulnerable adults remain at risk of trafficking and exploitation. Budu called for sustained collaboration and adequate resourcing of frontline institutions.
The IJM Ghana statement noted that limited shelter capacity, especially for adult survivors, and the need for additional investment in rural communities and specialized training on cyber trafficking are areas for improvement. The organization emphasized that the Tier 1 status should not be seen as the end of anti-trafficking efforts but as a platform for deeper action.
IJM Ghana called for continued action to ensure every child is safe, every survivor is protected, and every trafficker is held accountable. The organization stressed the importance of collective commitment and coordinated action to address the complex issues surrounding human trafficking in Ghana.
Key points
- Ghana upgraded to Tier 1 in U.S. Trafficking in Persons report
- Child trafficking remains a critical challenge in Ghana
- Sustained action and collaboration are necessary to address human trafficking
