The US Department of State has upgraded Ghana's ranking in human trafficking to Tier 1, the highest level, in recognition of its efforts to eliminate the crime. According to the 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, Ghana prosecuted 212 suspected human traffickers in 2025, up from 65 in 2024. Convictions also increased from 25 to 28 during the period. The report noted that the government fully met the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking, citing improved identification of victims and stronger cooperation with foreign governments.
Ghana investigated 222 trafficking cases in 2025, comprising 83 sex trafficking cases, 132 involving forced labour, and seven involving unspecified forms of trafficking. Of the 212 alleged traffickers prosecuted, 31 faced charges relating to sex trafficking, 57 to labour trafficking, and 124 to unspecified forms of trafficking. Authorities secured 28 convictions, comprising 14 sex traffickers and 14 labour traffickers, with the majority receiving prison sentences of at least one year.
The Ghanaian government has stepped up efforts to tackle trafficking linked to online scam operations and fraudulent recruitment schemes. Cooperation with INTERPOL and foreign governments led to the identification and repatriation of 756 foreign trafficking victims. A memorandum of understanding with e-commerce company QNET was also signed to facilitate the identification, arrest, and dismantling of online scam operations linked to fraudulent recruitment and forced labour.
Despite progress, the report identified continuing weaknesses in victim protection, access to justice, and investigations into trafficking-related cybercrimes. Ghana identified 2,331 trafficking victims in 2025, up from 794 in 2024, including 492 people subjected to sex trafficking, 1,302 victims of labour trafficking, and 537 victims of unspecified forms of trafficking. The government also identified and funded the voluntary repatriation of 567 Ghanaian trafficking victims exploited abroad.
Expenditure on direct victim services and assistance increased to GH¢3.452 million in 2025, from GH¢2.85 million in 2024. However, shelter capacity remained limited, particularly for adult victims, while trafficking victims in rural communities faced barriers to accessing the formal justice system. The government announced plans to establish specialised courts to adjudicate trafficking cases involving cybercrimes.
The report cautioned that significant challenges persisted, including the absence of a legal prohibition on worker-paid recruitment fees and continuing exploitation of children in fishing, agriculture, domestic service, and mining. Ghana's Tier 1 ranking recognises progress in meeting international minimum standards, but it does not mean human trafficking has been eliminated.
Sustaining the gains will require stronger investigations, more convictions, improved victim protection, and accountability for anyone implicated in trafficking offences. The government will need to address these challenges to maintain its Tier 1 ranking and make further progress in eliminating human trafficking.
Key points
- Ghana has been upgraded to Tier 1 in the US assessment of countries' efforts to eliminate human trafficking.
- The country prosecuted 212 suspected human traffickers in 2025, up from 65 in 2024.
- Ghana identified 2,331 trafficking victims in 2025, up from 794 in 2024.
