Ghana recorded 2,331 rescued victims of human trafficking in 2025, marking the highest figure in the past five years as the government intensifies efforts to tackle trafficking, cyber exploitation and sports-related abuse.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, disclosed this during the launch of activities to mark this year’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons in Accra.
According to the minister, the number of rescued victims rose steadily from 821 in 2021 to 846 in 2022 before increasing sharply to 2,089 in 2023. Although the figure declined slightly to 1,994 in 2024, it rose again in 2025 with 2,331 victims rescued.
Out of the 2025 figure, she said 425 were children while 1,996 were adults. The data also showed that 1,544 of the victims were men and 789 were women.
Dr Lartey said the figures reflected stronger collaboration among institutions, increased public awareness, improved enforcement operations and enhanced capacity to identify and rescue victims.
She attributed the rise in rescues largely to intensified action against cyber-related trafficking, online exploitation and romance scam networks.
The minister further revealed that 206 offenders had been prosecuted and convicted for cybercrime trafficking and exploitation-related offences, including defrauding by false pretences.
She added that 64 offenders were also convicted for human trafficking and child labour-related offences after 2,022 cases were investigated in 2025.
“These outcomes send a strong message that Ghana will not tolerate the exploitation of its people, especially women and children, for criminal gain,” she said.
The event was held under the theme, “Human Trafficking Can End: The Time is Now – Blow the Whistle on Sports Trafficking.”
Dr Lartey warned that traffickers were increasingly targeting vulnerable young people through fake sports opportunities, especially as the world prepares for major international sporting events such as the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
She said traffickers and exploiters were taking advantage of the dreams of young athletes through false promises of sports contracts, scholarships, trials and recruitment opportunities.
According to her, criminal networks and unscrupulous agents often lure victims into exploitation, forced labour, irregular migration and trafficking under the guise of legitimate sporting opportunities.
The minister urged the public to report suspicious activities and help protect vulnerable young people from exploitation.
Dr Lartey reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating trafficking through the enforcement of the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), as amended by the Human Trafficking Amendment Act, 2009 (Act 784), together with related child protection and cybercrime laws.
She said government institutions were working with law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, international partners, traditional authorities and community actors to prevent trafficking, rescue victims, prosecute offenders and support survivors.
The minister stressed that survivors needed protection, dignity and opportunities to rebuild their lives.
She said the government continued to strengthen victim support services through shelter assistance, psychosocial care, counselling, skills training and referrals to social protection programmes.
Dr Lartey also highlighted the role of the Social Welfare and Community Support Core Space as an important reporting and response mechanism for vulnerable persons, including victims of trafficking and abuse.
She called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, development partners and the media in the fight against trafficking.
“Parents must act as protectors, communities must remain alert, and young people must be educated on the dangers of deceptive opportunities,” she said.
The minister commended development partners, security agencies and civil society organisations for their continued support in the fight against human trafficking.
Priscilla Osei-Wusu Nimako, ISD
