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MoGCSP launches media campaign against trafficking
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.
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.
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.
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.
News
President Mahama swears in last batch of deputy ministers of state at the presidency
The President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, has sworn in four deputy minister designates at the presidency.
The deputy ministers are Dorcas Affo Toffey for Transport; James Gyakye Quayson for Foreign Affairs; Mohammed A. Sukparu for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations; and Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu Danquah for Health.
President Mahama administered the Oaths of Allegiance, Office and Secrecy, and presented each appointee with an instrument of office in the national colours, red, gold and green.
He noted that this final swearing-in completes the formation of his government’s ministerial team, totaling 60 appointees.
He described this as a clear sign of his commitment to a purposeful and efficient administration.
According to the President, only ministries with heavier workloads and broader responsibilities are assigned deputy ministers.
He stated that his administration is focused on achieving real results and not merely filling positions.
He urged the new deputies to work closely with their sector ministers, remain humble and serve with integrity and accountability.
President Mahama highlighted that the size of government had been reduced, and cost-saving measures such as cuts in fuel allocations and travel budgets were freeing up funds for key sectors like health, education, infrastructure and energy.
He shared encouraging signs of economic recovery, including a drop in inflation, a stronger cedi, improved GDP growth and successful payments to bondholders, students and public schools all without a supplementary budget.
The President condemned a recent incident involving the manhandling of a joy news journalist by military personnel.
He described the act as unacceptable and assured that investigations and sanctions would follow.
Speaking on behalf of the new deputy ministers, Mohammed A. Sukparu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve.
He pledged their full commitment to the President’s vision and promised they would not disappoint the Ghanaian people.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
Government to train chiefs in Volta Region to resolve disputes and improve local governance – President Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy will roll out capacity building workshops to strengthen the leadership of traditional rulers in the Volta Region.
The initiative, he said, is part of a bigger plan to enhance the role of chiefs in governance, conflict resolution, and community development particularly in Volta, where chieftaincy disputes are on the rise.
According to the President, the workshops will equip chiefs and traditional council staff with the skills and knowledge to manage disputes, handle community affairs, and better understand their statutory responsibilities.
He made this known during a high-level engagement with the Volta Region House of Chiefs at the Flagstaff House.
The chiefs had raised concerns about the increasing number of unresolved chieftaincy disputes and the limited capacity of newly inaugurated traditional councils.
President Mahama acknowledged the challenges and said government would provide direct funding to support these workshops and ensure that traditional leaders in the region are empowered to function effectively.
He stressed that strengthening the institution of chieftaincy was critical to maintaining peace and stability at the community level, and would support efforts in decentralization and grassroots development.
The President also expressed hope that the ongoing constitutional review process would capture the views of traditional authorities particularly in enhancing their role in sanitation, civic education, and environmental management.
President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, welcomed the announcement and said the Volta regional house of chiefs was ready to partner with the government to resolve disputes and promote development at the local level.
By: Jacob Aggrey
