ECOWAS Commission Resident Representative in Ghana Hosts Delegation from IOM and Ministry of Gender to Strengthen Human Trafficking Response
By Raymond Enoch
In a bid to enhance regional collaboration in the fight against human trafficking, Ambassador Mohammed Lawan Gana, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana, welcomed a delegation from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Human Trafficking Secretariat (HTS) of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection on February 3, 2025.
The visit was part of ongoing efforts to implement the Support Project to ECOWAS Member States for the Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking, a critical initiative being rolled out across 12 ECOWAS member states. The project seeks to bolster national frameworks for the identification, rescue, and reintegration of trafficking victims while reinforcing Ghana’s commitment to tackling the menace.
During the meeting, Ambassador Gana emphasized ECOWAS’ unwavering dedication to ensuring that regional policies on migration and human trafficking align with global best practices. He noted that human trafficking remains a significant challenge in West Africa, requiring collective action and cross-border cooperation.
The IOM delegation, led by senior representatives, highlighted the organization’s role in capacity-building, technical assistance, and direct support for victims. They underscored the importance of enhancing Ghana’s National Referral Mechanism (NRM) to ensure seamless coordination between state institutions, civil society, and international partners.
Representatives from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening its anti-trafficking policies, increasing victim protection services, and intensifying public awareness campaigns to prevent exploitation. The ministry also outlined strategies to ensure rescued victims receive psychosocial support, vocational training, and legal assistance for reintegration into society.
The discussions concluded with a shared commitment to advancing the project’s implementation, reinforcing regional partnerships, and ensuring that survivors of human trafficking receive holistic protection and justice.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts between ECOWAS, IOM, and national stakeholders to combat human trafficking in Ghana and across West Africa. As the project progresses, stakeholders remain optimistic about its impact on safeguarding vulnerable populations and dismantling trafficking networks in the region.
