The International Justice Mission (IJM) Ghana has donated essential household items to the Human Trafficking Female Adult Shelter under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to improve living conditions and strengthen support for survivors of human trafficking.
The donation, presented by IJM Ghana’s Country Director and West Africa Programme Director, Ms. Anita Budu, forms part of the organisation’s continued collaboration with the Ministry to improve protection, rehabilitation and reintegration services for survivors.
The items, which include ten mattresses, a Midea gas cooker, a blender, a 43-inch Samsung television and a Midea refrigerator, were selected following an assessment of the shelter’s needs. Presenting the items, Ms Budu reaffirmed IJM’s commitment to supporting the government’s efforts to strengthen victim protection systems, particularly through the provision of safe and adequately equipped accommodation for survivors.
She emphasised that a supportive shelter environment was essential to helping survivors recover from the physical and psychological effects of trafficking and rebuild their lives. The donation also highlights the importance of partnerships between government institutions and civil society organisations in addressing the complex needs of people rescued from exploitative situations.
IJM Strengthens Support For Survivor Rehabilitation
Ms. Budu noted that providing survivors with safe accommodation and essential household facilities was an important part of the recovery process. Beyond rescuing individuals from trafficking situations, survivors often require sustained assistance, including psychosocial care, counselling, healthcare and support to reintegrate into their communities.
The provision of basic household items is therefore expected to improve the shelter’s capacity to deliver a more comfortable and supportive environment for its residents.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the Ministry, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, expressed appreciation to IJM Ghana for its continued partnership and responsiveness to the needs of the facility. She commended the organisation for identifying areas where additional support was required, noting that the donated items would improve residents’ living conditions and assist the day-to-day operations of the shelter.
The Minister also acknowledged the contributions of development partners and other stakeholders whose interventions continue to complement government efforts to protect vulnerable persons and strengthen services for trafficking survivors.
Ghana’s Tier 1 Status Reflects Progress In Anti-Trafficking Efforts
Dr. Lartey further highlighted Ghana’s attainment of Tier 1 status in the 2026 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report published by the United States Department of State, describing the achievement as evidence of sustained national efforts and collaboration among institutions working to combat human trafficking.
The upgrade from Tier 2 to Tier 1 represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s anti-trafficking efforts. Tier 1 is the highest classification under the US assessment system and indicates that a country meets the minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
According to findings from the 2026 report, Ghana investigated 222 human trafficking cases in 2025 and prosecuted 212 alleged traffickers, securing 28 convictions during the reporting period. The country also identified 2,331 trafficking victims, all of whom were referred to appropriate support services. The figures reflect increased efforts in victim identification, law enforcement and access to assistance. However, the improved ranking does not mean that human trafficking has been eliminated in Ghana.
The assessment continues to highlight challenges, including inadequate shelter capacity, particularly for adult survivors, and the need for stronger specialised support services. Dr Lartey stressed that maintaining the country’s improved standing would require sustained commitment, effective coordination and continued investment in survivor protection. She acknowledged the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama in advancing the government’s efforts to address human trafficking and safeguard vulnerable populations.
Stakeholder Partnerships Remain Critical To Survivor Protection
The donation comes amid broader efforts by the Ministry to strengthen Ghana’s national response to human trafficking through prevention, protection, prosecution and partnerships.
The Ministry’s Human Trafficking Secretariat is responsible for coordinating interventions aimed at preventing trafficking, supporting investigations and prosecutions, and ensuring the rehabilitation and reintegration of survivors. Its work also involves collaboration with government agencies, civil society organisations and development partners to improve victim identification, referral systems and access to specialised services.
In May 2026, IJM Ghana also commenced a capacity-building programme for social welfare officers in the Eastern Region to strengthen their response to trafficking cases. The training covered case management, relevant legislation and trauma-informed care, highlighting the organisation’s broader involvement in strengthening survivor protection systems.
The Ministry expressed appreciation to IJM Ghana and other development partners for their continued support, emphasising the importance of collective action in addressing trafficking and ensuring that survivors receive the care, protection and assistance needed to rebuild their lives.
As Ghana works to consolidate its Tier 1 status, the latest donation serves as a reminder that progress in combating human trafficking must extend beyond law enforcement achievements to include adequate shelter facilities, sustained rehabilitation and meaningful reintegration opportunities for survivors.
Ultimately, strengthening these support systems will be essential to ensuring that rescued persons are not only removed from exploitative situations but also given the resources and opportunities to recover and live with dignity.
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