The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has disclosed the government’s plan to expand existing shelters and establish new ones across all 16 regions.
This, she said, is to ensure the rapid response and care for victims of abuse and trafficking.
She said this when the Chief of Mission for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Ghana, Madam Fatou Diallo Ndiaye, paid a courtesy call on her to deepen the partnership to fight against human trafficking, child protection, and the promotion of gender inequality.
Dr. Naa Momo Lartey noted that the Ministry was society’s moral fiber, and actions or inaction can have far-reaching consequences. She said, “Let’s do our best to rewrite history and leave a mark.”
She hinted that the rollout of a robust capacity-building programme, in partnership with IOM, will train Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCES) on effective migration management within their communities.
She announced plans to engage other relevant institutions, including the Ministries of Labour, Jobs & Employment, Youth and Recreation, and the Interior, to strengthen migrant protection mechanisms.
The Chief of Mission for IOM in Ghana, Madam Fatou Diallo Ndiaye, commended the Ministry for its relentless efforts in preventing human trafficking and protecting vulnerable populations.
She stated the IOM’s commitment to providing technical and financial assistance to enhance the Ministry’s work in critical areas.
She further expressed IOM’s readiness to support reintegration programmes for victims of trafficking and to work with the Ministry to address issues related to alleged witch camps.
The conversation also highlighted the growing concern of trafficking in sports, with a commitment to collaborate with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to tackle the issue at the grassroots level.
Priscilla Osei-Wusu Nimako, ISD
