International Justice Mission (IJM) Ghana has urged the government to increase funding for child protection and survivor support services. Despite Ghana's upgrade to Tier 1 in the 2026 United States' Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, the organisation warned that limited shelter capacity and continuing child exploitation remain major challenges. IJM Ghana's Director of West Africa Programme, Anita Budu, congratulated the government and stakeholders on the reported elevation from Tier 2 to Tier 1.
The upgrade to Tier 1 reflects coordinated action by government agencies, civil society organisations, and development partners. According to the US Department of State's 2026 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, Ghana met the minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking under the US Trafficking Victims Protection Act. The country's previous ranking was Tier 2 in the 2025 US Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, which it had maintained for seven consecutive years.
IJM Ghana commended the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, particularly the Human Trafficking Secretariat, for coordinating national anti-trafficking efforts. The organisation also acknowledged the contributions of the Attorney-General's Department, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, and the Economic and Organised Crime Office.
During the reporting period, Ghana prosecuted 212 alleged traffickers and secured 28 convictions. Authorities identified 2,331 trafficking victims and referred all of them to appropriate services. The government increased funding for victim assistance and anti-trafficking initiatives, expanded training for frontline officers, and strengthened international cooperation.
Despite the progress, children and vulnerable adults remain at risk of trafficking and exploitation. IJM Ghana warned that traffickers are increasingly using technology, fraudulent job offers, online scams, and deceptive migration opportunities to recruit and exploit victims. The organisation identified child trafficking on Lake Volta as a significant concern.
IJM Ghana called for stronger protection systems, more specialised training for law enforcement officers, and improved services for survivors, particularly adults who require shelter and long-term support. The organisation urged stakeholders not to regard the reported Tier 1 status as the end of the fight against trafficking but as a basis for further action.
Tier 1 is the highest category in the assessment and signifies that a government is considered to be fully meeting the minimum standards for combating trafficking. However, the ranking does not mean that trafficking has been eradicated or that the country has no outstanding challenges. Countries in Tier 1 are expected to demonstrate continued progress each year to maintain the status.
Key points
- IJM Ghana urges increased funding for child protection and survivor support services
- Ghana upgraded to Tier 1 in the 2026 US Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report
- Children and vulnerable adults remain at risk of trafficking and exploitation
