The Human Trafficking Management Board has reviewed the work of the Human Trafficking Secretariat, assessed anti-trafficking interventions and considered priorities for 2027 at its third-quarter meeting, as Ghana seeks to sustain its Tier 1 ranking in the 2026 United States Trafficking in Persons Report.
Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, commended members and stakeholders for their contribution to the country’s anti-trafficking efforts, while warning that the international recognition places greater responsibility on Ghana to maintain progress through coordinated prevention, survivor support and prosecution.
“Tier 1 status comes with huge responsibility. It is the highest trust placed in the country, which Ghana holds dear and cannot afford to fumble or be complacent about.”
Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey
Dr Lartey acknowledged the commitment, active participation and institutional support of Board members, commending them for attending meetings and contributing expertise to the Ministry’s work.
She also recognised government institutions, development partners and other stakeholders whose collective efforts contributed to Ghana’s elevation to Tier 1 in the 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report.
Secretariat Reports on Anti-Trafficking Activities
The Minister described the ranking as an important development in the country’s response to human trafficking, but stressed that it should not lead to complacency. She called on partners to guard the status through sustained, coordinated and decisive interventions.
She identified prevention, survivor care and prosecution as areas requiring continued attention, alongside efforts to respond to emerging threats. Maintaining the ranking, she indicated, would demand greater vigilance, collaboration and sacrifice, with the Ministry committed to leading the process.
She urged partners to sustain the cooperation that supported the country’s progress, noting that the responsibility now extends to protecting victims and strengthening the national response.
The Ministry, she affirmed, would continue to lead efforts with relevant institutions and stakeholders, ensuring that prevention, survivor care and prosecution remain central to the work ahead across the country in practice.
Director of the Human Trafficking Secretariat, Madam Abena Annobea Asare, presented an update on the Secretariat’s activities, outlining ongoing interventions and areas requiring attention.
The Board considered the status of the adult shelter, planned capacity-building activities and funding requirements for programme implementation. Discussions emphasised outstanding resource needs that could affect delivery of planned interventions.
Board Reviews National Plan of Action
Members received a briefing from a consultant on the inception report for the National Plan of Action for the Elimination of Human Trafficking in Ghana.
The presentation allowed the Board to examine the proposed approach and provide input, particularly on planned fieldwork and data collection. The exercise is expected to inform the national plan, which will guide interventions to address trafficking.
The meeting also considered preparations for the Board’s 2027 Annual Work Plan, focusing on priorities and activities to guide its work in the coming year.
The plan is expected to support coordination among institutions and strengthen implementation of measures to combat human trafficking. Members considered the need to align activities with the country’s prevention, protection and prosecution priorities.
Board Maintains Oversight of National Response
The Human Trafficking Management Board provides strategic direction and oversight for Ghana’s anti-trafficking response. It brings together institutions and stakeholders to coordinate efforts to prevent trafficking, protect and rehabilitate victims, strengthen investigations and prosecutions, and address challenges associated with the crime.
Its work connects policy direction with the activities of institutions responsible for responding to trafficking and supporting affected persons.
The third-quarter meeting combined a review of ongoing programmes with planning for the next phase. Discussions covered operational needs, funding, shelter arrangements, capacity building and development of the national action plan.
“Our progress in combating human trafficking must be reflected in stronger institutions, effective interventions and lasting protection for victims and survivors.”
Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey
Dr Lartey’s appeal for continued collaboration emphasised protecting the Tier 1 status through practical interventions rather than treating the recognition as an end in itself.
The Ministry’s commitment to lead sustained action, alongside the Board’s oversight and the Secretariat’s programme coordination, is expected to support Ghana’s efforts to maintain progress and strengthen protection for people vulnerable to trafficking.
The Board’s 2027 priorities will be shaped by the discussions and planning undertaken at the meeting, as stakeholders work to translate the country’s international recognition into continued action at national and community levels.
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