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MoGCSP launches media campaign against trafficking

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The Human Trafficking Secretariat of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), in collaboration with development partners, has launched a media campaign ahead of this year’s commemoration of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, also known as ‘Blue Day’.

The launch took place on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

The event, themed: “The Human Trafficking Law @ 20: The Journey So Far in Ghana”, aims to raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking and marks the 20th anniversary of the passage of the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694).

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Chief Director of MoGCSP, Dr Afisah Zakariah, emphasized the urgency of combating human trafficking, noting Ghana’s position as a source, transit, and destination country.

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She called for strengthened legislation and border control systems that do not criminalize victims, and urged the media and the public to work together to break the chains of trafficking in Ghana.

The Chief Director also expressed gratitude to development partners for their continued collaboration and support in fighting human trafficking.

Chairperson of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Gender, Hon. Helen Adjoa Ntoso (MP), lauded the progress made over the past two decades in addressing trafficking.

She emphasized the need for sustained efforts, including the development of new policies, improved coordination among agencies, victim support services, awareness creation, and education.

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She also recounted her Committee’s recent visits to shelters in the Greater Accra Region, expressing concern about the continued misidentification of trafficking cases—particularly those involving children.

Director of the Human Trafficking Secretariat, Ms. Abena Anobea Asare, stressed the importance of increasing public awareness and knowledge-sharing on human trafficking. She underscored that combating trafficking requires a collective effort that cuts across legal, humanitarian, and security sectors.

She appealed for renewed commitment to building a just, safe, and inclusive society.

As part of the launch, a panel discussion was held featuring legal, administrative, and security experts who shared insights into understanding human trafficking and charting a way forward.

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The media launch forms part of a series of events lined up to commemorate the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which will be observed globally on July 30, 2025.

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Police arrest former boxer Ayitey Powers over alleged death threat on NSA boss

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The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested former professional boxer Michael Ayitey Okai, popularly known as “Ayitey Powers,” over an alleged threat of death against the Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo.

According to the Police, the 46-year-old former boxer was arrested on Monday, August 24, 2026, in connection with the alleged threat.

The Police said the arrest followed a video circulating on social media in which Ayitey Powers is alleged to have issued the threat against Mr Ampofo.

He is currently in Police custody and is assisting with investigations.

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The Accra Regional Police Command said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged threat and determine the appropriate action to be taken in accordance with the law.

The Command has urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information about the matter while the investigation continues.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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Afenyo Markin sues Sammy Gyamfi, Multimedia for alleged defamation

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Minority Leader in Parliament Alexander Afenyo Markin has sued the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, and Multimedia Group Limited over alleged defamatory comments made against him on the Newsfile programme.

In a writ filed at the High Court in Accra, Mr Afenyo Markin is seeking GH¢15 million in damages, an apology and retraction of the statements, among other reliefs.

The suit follows comments allegedly made by Mr Gyamfi during the Saturday, August 22, 2026 edition of Newsfile, hosted by Samson Lardy Anyenini.

According to the statement of claim, Mr Gyamfi described Mr Afenyo Markin as an “extortionist” while responding to a question about GoldBod’s reported profits and its position on losses arising from its operations.

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The plaintiff claims that Mr Gyamfi repeated the allegation when the host sought clarification on whether he stood by the description.

Mr Afenyo Markin further claims that Mr Gyamfi challenged him to sue him and insisted that the allegation was true.

The plaintiff argues that the statements created the impression that he engages in extortion, uses his political influence to put improper pressure on public institutions and officials, and conducts himself in a manner inconsistent with the standards expected of a lawyer and public office holder.

He denies the allegations and maintains that he is not an extortionist and has never engaged in the conduct alleged by Mr Gyamfi.

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The Minority Leader also argues that the comments were made maliciously and were presented as facts without evidence being disclosed.

He claims the statements have damaged his reputation, professional standing and public image, particularly because of his position as a senior political figure and legal practitioner.

The suit also names Multimedia Group Limited as a defendant because, according to the plaintiff, the alleged defamatory comments were broadcast through JoyNews and subsequently circulated on social media platforms, including X, Facebook and YouTube.

Mr Afenyo Markin claims Multimedia failed to stop the comments or deactivate Mr Gyamfi’s microphone after the allegations were made.

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He is therefore asking the court to award him general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as GH¢15 million in compensation and legal costs.

He is also seeking an order compelling the defendants to issue a full, unconditional and unequivocal retraction and public apology.

The plaintiff wants the apology and retraction to be given similar prominence and reach as the original publication, including through JoyNews and the social media platforms where the comments were disseminated.

He is further seeking a permanent injunction preventing the defendants from repeating the alleged defamatory statements or words with a similar meaning.

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The writ requires the defendants to enter an appearance within eight days after being served.

It warns that failure to do so could result in judgment being entered in their absence.

The case was filed by lawyer Paa Kwesi Abaidoo of Dehyena Chambers on behalf of Mr Afenyo Markin.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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