A commemorative event has been held in Ho to mark this year’s World Day Against Human Trafficking.
The event led by the Ghana Police Service brought together officers from other security agencies including the Immigration Service and also, traditional leaders, NGOs, and students drawn from the various second cycle institutions in the Ho Municipality.
The event was meant to increase awareness and vigilance from the public to combat the threat of human trafficking in the country.
Speaking at the event, DSP William Ayaregah, Director in charge of the Anti-Human Trafficking unit at CID headquarters, called for a robust and comprehensive legal framework to combat human trafficking, especially in communities along the Volta Lake.
DSP Ayaregah emphasized that human trafficking remains a significant global threat, putting the lives of millions of vulnerable children at risk a situation that demands a strong and effective response from all stakeholders.
“…children represent a staggering one-third of all human trafficking victims globally. This statistic is more than a number; it represents countless dreams shattered, childhoods stolen, and futures jeopardized. This profound truth reminds us that the exploitation of children represents a dire form of inequality that we must confront
and overcome.”
According to global estimates, a staggering 49.6 million individuals are enslaved in modern slavery, with women and girls comprising 54% of this number, coerced into exploitative labor or forced marriages.
These statistics, as noted by DSP Ayaregah, represent more than just numbers which translate into profound impact on the lives of victims, resulting in pain and even death.
The issue of child trafficking remains a thriving trade against human lives in Ghana, especially in communities along the Volta Lake despite the significant strides the government through its agencies and partners have made in the fight against the menace.
Various stakeholders who took turns to speak at the event stressed the need for stronger collaboration and intensified public education in a bid to win the war against the canker.
The event was supported notably by NGOs including Our Rescue and the International Justice Mission (IJM).
The event was on the theme, “Leave no child behind in the fight against human trafficking.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Faisel Abdul-Iddrisu
