Ghana is ramping up its efforts to defend human rights and combat human trafficking, following a high-level forum organized by the Global Freedom Network (GFN) at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra.
The event brought together government officials, civil society organizations, faith leaders, and international partners including representatives from Australia to strengthen collaboration and chart a bold, unified path toward eliminating modern slavery and other human rights violations.
Speaking at the gathering, Dominic Agyemang, Director of the Migration Unit at the Ministry of the Interior, called for collective action to address modern slavery, gender-based violence, child marriage, and environmental degradation.
“The Ministry of the Interior continues to coordinate national efforts, ensuring our security agencies align with anti-trafficking and human rights policies,” he said.
The forum shed light on several pressing human rights concerns in Ghana:
Persistent violence against women, including physical and sexual abuse by intimate partners.
Child marriage, which continues to rob many young girls of education and opportunities.
Neglect and abuse of people with mental health conditions, who often lack adequate care.
Illegal mining (galamsey), which pollutes rivers and destroys communities.
And systemic corruption, which erodes public trust and weakens human rights protections.
Mr. Agyemang commended the Global Freedom Network which operates in over 50 countries for its continued support in strengthening Ghana’s anti-trafficking framework, building local capacity, and promoting awareness.
He also highlighted recent actions by the government, including President John Dramani Mahama’s engagement with civil society organizations to reaffirm political commitment to fighting social injustice and environmental harm.
Ghana is also advancing key reforms in the justice system. The daily feeding allowance for prisoners has been increased from ₵1 to ₵5, the first adjustment in over 15 years. Additionally, a Community Service Bill is set to introduce non-custodial sentencing, aimed at decongesting prisons and aiding the reintegration of offenders into society.
Despite these strides, Mr. Agyemang acknowledged that much more remains to be done.
“Ghana needs decisive action, deep collaboration, and moral courage,” he said, urging stronger enforcement of laws against gender-based violence, child marriage, and abuse of persons with mental health conditions.
He also called for tougher measures against illegal mining and for equal protection of rights for all citizens, regardless of gender, disability, or income level.
The Global Freedom Network reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ghana’s journey toward justice, freedom, and human dignity pledging to stand alongside the nation in its ongoing fight to protect the vulnerable and uphold human rights for all.
