Engage Now Africa (ENA), in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) and the organization Right to Be Free (RTBF), hosted a one-day human trafficking awareness workshop in Accra. The event, held at the Capital View Hotel, targeted Nigerian diaspora organizations in Ghana. It aimed to shed light on the growing threat of human trafficking, particularly the exploitation of Nigerian children in cyber fraud and prostitution.
The collaboration was part of ongoing efforts to curb human trafficking in Ghana, which has seen increasing cross-border issues involving Nigerian nationals. Many Nigerian children are trafficked to Ghana and forced into illegal activities such as cyber fraud and prostitution. As human traffickers continue to exploit vulnerable populations, ENA and the Ghana Police are stepping up their efforts to address this issue by working with community leaders, stakeholders, and other law enforcement agencies.
The event, themed “Raising Awareness and Strengthening Capacity to Combat Human Trafficking,” brought together over 50 representatives from various Nigerian diaspora organizations and community groups. Participants were educated on the warning signs of human trafficking, its impact on victims, and effective ways to help those affected. The workshop also emphasized the need for collaboration between Ghana and Nigeria in tackling trafficking, particularly concerning child victims who are often moved across borders for exploitation.
In his opening remarks, Mr. David Kofi Awusi, the Director of Operations at ENA, highlighted the importance of raising awareness on human trafficking and equipping individuals with the knowledge to detect and report it. He stated that “community engagement is key in the fight against human trafficking, as traffickers often take advantage of vulnerable individuals, especially children.” Mr. Awusi also reiterated ENA’s commitment to working closely with the Ghana Police Service and other partners to ensure that trafficked individuals are rescued and reintegrated into society.
Superintendent Mike Baah, Director of the AHTU, acknowledged the challenges that law enforcement faces in combating human trafficking. He stressed the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in Ghana and Nigeria to address cross-border trafficking cases effectively. Superintendent Baah also praised ENA and RTBF for their continued support in the fight against trafficking, particularly in providing resources and training to strengthen the capacity of police units.
In addition to raising awareness, the workshop provided practical insights into the proper handling of trafficking cases, including victim management and reintegration. Participants were trained on how to identify trafficked individuals and the steps to take in reporting suspected cases to the authorities. The workshop concluded with a call to action for community members to be vigilant and work together to prevent human trafficking in their neighborhoods.
Engage Now Africa’s initiative is part of a broader campaign to combat human trafficking in West Africa. With ongoing efforts like these, the organization hopes to bring greater attention to the issue and ultimately reduce the number of individuals, particularly children, falling victim to trafficking.
