Do you know that millions of children, women and men each year are being forced to work against their will and constantly living under the threat of violence? As part of efforts geared towards changing this unpleasant narrative, the United Nations has set aside 30th of July as the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons also known as BLUE DAY. The day is intended to show compassion to victims of trafficking and also sensitize potential victims on the danger to prevent them from falling prey to traffickers.
A community sensitization durbar was held at Sege to mark the 2018 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The programme was observed under the theme “Together, We End Human Trafficking!!! Towards Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Through a Collaborative Effort”.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Otiko Afisa Djaba, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection cautioned parents not to give away their children in the wake of financial difficulties. She revealed that some parents could trade their children for as low as thirty Ghana Cedis.
Ms. Djaba noted that due to the efforts of the Government of Ghana and other stakeholders in the fight against trafficking in persons, Ghana improved in ranking from a tier 2 watchlist country to a tier 2 country in the 2018 Trafficking in Persons Report.
At the durbar, parents were educated about the dangers of trafficking their wards and were discouraged from engaging in trafficking.
The occasion brought together traditional authorities, students, government officials and members of non- governmental organizations championing the campaign against trafficking in persons. The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Ishmael Ashitey and the Ada West District Chief Executive, Hon. L.A. Akrofi graced the occasion.
Ada West is one of the Districts International Needs Ghana (INGH) in partnership with Free the Slaves is implementing the Growing Up Free Project (GUF). GUF is a four- year project aimed at achieving a significant reduction in Child Trafficking and slavery in fishing communities. The project is being implemented in thirty- four communities in six districts across three regions. The project is funded by the US State Department.
