Editorial
Human trafficking is menace, let’s eliminate it!
Last week The Spectator carried a story on four Nigerians who were jailed by an Accra Circuit Court for human trafficking.
According to the report the perpetrators promised to secure jobs for their victims in Ghana but unknown to them (the victims) upon arrival in Ghana from Nigeria they were compelled to engage in sex trade.
The perpetrators demanded huge sums of money from the victims before they could gain their freedom but the timely intervention of a “Good Samaritan” led to the arrest of the perpetrators who were later jailed in hard labour.
Human trafficking is a menace in society as it is associated with sexual exploitation, servitude, starvation, depression, fear and trauma among others on victims.
Most often unsuspecting victims, especially young girls, are recruited by friends or even relatives who act as agents under the disguise of securing jobs for them within or outside the country but unfortunately, show them the ‘red card’ as they reach their destination.
Some are issued with threats, forced into domestic servitude and subjected to all forms of abuses to the detriment of their health.
Recently, some Ghanaian victims of human trafficking shared their harrowing experiences of the inhumane treatment meted to them by their hosts after they were rescued and returned to the country.
In fact, the frequent reports of cases of human trafficking is so disturbing and the earlier it is nipped in the bud the better.
The Spectator, therefore, welcomes the Government’s initiative to launch a four-year National Action Plan which will provide guidelines to deal with the menace. The National Action Plan was launched by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) recently.
In the words of the Caretaker Minister of MoGCSP, Ms. Cecilia Abena Dapaah “despite the many interventions instituted by the government to fight human trafficking, the practice was still prevalent.”
Ms. Dapaah also explained that the National Action Plan was necessary because although numerous laws have been enacted to curb human trafficking the practice still persisted.
It is obvious that the country cannot get rid of human trafficking with only laws; rather a concerted effort is needed to eliminate it.
Let us be vigilant and give a hint or report any hidden case of human trafficking to the appropriate authorities to bring perpetrators to book.
We all need to raise awareness and join the fight against human trafficking.
Dear Editor,
The performance of the Black Stars of Ghana has plunged the entire nation into a joyful mood.
Very few people gave the team any chance at the World Cup but with the little they have shown, Ghanaians have shown massive support.
All the two matches they have played with England and Panama have been characterized by unending joy after the games.
Apart from the team’s performance, the theme song by Ghana’s ace musician, Kofi Kinata have taken the celebration to a new dimension.
The song resonates through every corner both match and non-match days. And when they are played through the large speakers, it gets both young and old dancing their hearts out.
This is a mood I wish Ghanaians would sustain for a long time to keep the unity and friendship among us. Within this period, politics have been relegated to the background and football dominating the discussion. This is what football can do, let’s keep it growing. For the Black Stars, we say ‘Ayekoo.’
Mawuli Quaye,
Accra
Dear Editor,
I have, over time, observed the growing practice of drying washed clothes on the pavements of some principal streets in Accra, as well as on the grassy medians of major roads.
This practice is often carried out by individuals who have made these public spaces their place of abode.
As a country that seeks to maintain a clean, orderly, and beautiful environment, I believe it is time for the government, through the relevant local authorities, to address this issue.
The use of pavements and road medians for drying clothes undermines efforts to promote cleanliness and urban beautification.
Furthermore, this situation could negatively affect Ghana’s tourism industry. Tourists who visit our country do not only come to see historical landmarks and tourist attractions; they also pay attention to the cleanliness, organization, and general appearance of our streets and public spaces.
The sight of clothes hanging on pavements and road medians creates an impression that is inconsistent with the image of a modern and welcoming city.
Equally disturbing is the practice of bathing children on road medians and street pavements. Apart from raising concerns about public hygiene and safety, such activities diminish the dignity and proper use of these public spaces.
As a concerned citizen, I believe that if we are truly committed to keeping our cities clean, attractive, and conducive to tourism and investment, then we must take decisive action.
Local authorities should enforce existing bylaws and regulations governing the use of public spaces and implement measures to prevent such practices.
By doing so, we can preserve the beauty of our cities and project a positive image of Ghana to both residents and visitors alike.
Kojo K,
Madina
