World Human Trafficking Day is observed on July 30th every year to raise awareness and support the fight against human trafficking.
In Ghana, the commemoration of the day coincided with the launch of the National Plan of Action for the Elimination of Human Trafficking to reinforce the government’s commitment to the global call to end human trafficking as captured in the SDGs.
The launch which took place in Accra was spearheaded by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
It provoked the urgency for stakeholders to adopt robust monitoring systems via the use of modern technology to foil the activities of trafficking offenders as the theme for this year’s celebration suggests, “Focusing on the Use and Abuse of Technology”.
Caretaker Minister for the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Cecilia Abena Dapaah said technology plays a key role in the fight against human trafficking whiles acknowledging Government’s effort so far.
She said, “coordination over the years has significantly improved and response to human trafficking issues have been rapid”. Adding up she said,” the human trafficking secretariat with support from law enforcement officials rescued 831 victims last year alongside 32 cases which were prosecuted”.
However, for most key implementing partners, a well-coordinated National Action Plan backed by increased budgetary allocation are key to strengthening child protection and social welfare systems.
In a statement, Country Rep of UNICEF-Ghana, Ruby Annang said her outfit is committed to the clarion call and stressed the need for more funding.
“There is the need to allocate more funds and resources in the fight against human trafficking”.
The event was attended by NGOs and civil society organizations, UNICEF, EU and Expertise France as some of its implementing partners.