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Police rescues 523 from human trafficking
At least 523 persons including 391 children who were trafficked have been rescued by the Police across the country for the past two years.
Similarly, 44 children were also rescued in the first quarter of this year.
The victims who were between the ages of five and 17 years were used on the farms, fishing,and child prostitution, among others.
The Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID)of the Ghana Police Service, Chief Superintendent(C/Supt) Mike Baah, disclosed this to the Ghanaian Times in Accra yesterday stating that 132 adults were also rescued and cited poverty and deception as the major causes of human trafficking in the country.
He stated that as part of efforts to address the situation in the country, the Unit would intensify its education and sensitisation programmes to the public on the negative effects on the country.
“We have identified the sources and receiving areas and we will intensify our sensitisation and the education on the negative effects of child trafficking to the nation and intensify our collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the security agencies and the non-governmental and faith-based organisations to minimise the canker,
“The capacity of personnel and other security agencies are being built on trafficking issues and given the best skills and knowledge to detect such cases and the law enforcement agencies will enforce the law to ensure offenders are not let off the hook and to serve as deterrent to others,” C/Supt Baah indicated.
He stressed the need to protect the rights of children in the country with some of the trafficking cases sometimes resulted in death and maiming of the children and the rescued children were sent to Shelter for protection while others were reunited with their families.
C/Supt Baah explained that some of the adults of other nationals who were trafficked for prostitution had been repatriated to their countries in collaboration with their respective Embassies.
He said suspects arrested within the two-year period were put before court and some were convicted ranging from five to 18 years and cautioned parents to desist from giving out their children for money, adding that “the practice is criminal and when caught will be arrested and prosecuted if established that as parents you are accomplices in human trafficking cases.”
C/Supt Baah appealed to the public and the media to be vigilant in their communities, and report such culprits to the police for immediate action and to collaborate with the AHTU on its sensitisation and education drive to clamp down on such activities.
Source: www.ghanaiantimes.com.gh
The Heartfelt Philanthropy Network and fellows of Elevate Africa Fellowship have visited the Street Academy in Accra to support its efforts to improve the welfare and development of children.
The visit formed part of efforts by the organisations to give back to the community and promote opportunities for children through education, healthcare and other social support programmes.
Ms Yvonne Abba-Opoku, Founder and Director of the Heartfelt Philanthropy Network, said the organisation had supported the Street Academy since 2019 because of its commitment to serving vulnerable children. Read More.
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Alberta Afia Asomaniwa Akoto, popularly known as “Landlady,” has declared her intention to contest as the Parliamentary Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Okaikwei North Constituency.
In a statement shared on Friday, Ms. Akoto said Okaikwei North has been her home for more than 40 years, where she has lived among the people, shared in their joys and challenges, and built lasting connections with the community.
“I am in the race because I believe our community deserves dedicated service, a listening ear and a strong voice. I am ready to work with you, listen to your concerns and help build a brighter future for Okaikwei North,” she said.
“Dear Okaikwei North, your girl is here one of your own, ready to serve,” she added.
Ms. Akoto said service is not just a responsibility but a commitment to the people and the community they call home.
Having dedicated herself to serving and supporting the people of the constituency, she said she wishes to continue the journey of service with renewed commitment, greater dedication and a stronger vision.
Her vision, she noted, is to build on the progress made, listen to the concerns of the people, empower the youth, support women, create opportunities and champion development that benefits every community in the constituency.
“I believe that together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous and inclusive Okaikwei North,” she added.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
