Gabril Acoatsey, Senior Manager of the International Justice Mission (IJM), has issued a rallying call for public unity in combating the alarming rise of human trafficking in the country, particularly highlighting the distressing increase in child trafficking incidents.
Acoatsey revealed troubling statistics indicating that some parents were resorting to selling their children for as little as 50 cedis, while others were exchanging their offspring for livestock, subjecting them to a lifetime of suffering and exploitation. These practices, he emphasized, severely impact the children's education, health, and overall well-being.
Speaking at the opening of a three-day training workshop organized by IJM in Techiman, attended by forty participants from the Bono East Region, Acoatsey underscored the urgent need for collective action to address this pressing issue. IJM, an international non-governmental organization (NGO) focusing on human rights and law enforcement, aims to equip participants with the necessary tools to support survivors of abuse and strengthen Ghana's justice system.
The workshop covered various topics including child protection, trafficking laws, alternative care, effective data management, and report writing. Acoatsey emphasized IJM's collaboration with local authorities such as the Ghana Police Service, State Attorney Department, and social welfare agencies to combat trafficking, particularly around the Volta Lake and across national borders.
Acknowledging the sensitive nature of handling abuse victims, Acoatsey stressed the importance of professional care and support for survivors, lamenting the lack of proper handling by many institutions, which often exacerbates their trauma.
Madam Mabel Lariba Awuni, Attorney for the Tamale office of IJM, expressed concern over the undue influence exerted by political and traditional leaders, distracting from efforts to combat trafficking. She emphasized the need for collective societal action to prevent exploitation of children, which not only hinders their development but also perpetuates societal challenges.
Awuni called upon the media to amplify awareness and join the fight against trafficking, emphasizing its detrimental impact on the nation's future leaders. She urged society to recognize child exploitation as a grave crime warranting immediate and concerted action.