Engage Now Africa (ENA), a prominent non-governmental organization dedicated to combating child trafficking and resettling victims, has joined forces with Ensign Global College to spearhead efforts against human trafficking in the Volta region of Ghana. The partnership convened key stakeholders, including Regional Directors and Commanders of security agencies, to strategize and coordinate anti-human trafficking initiatives within the region.
The engagement aimed to garner support for a concerted effort to combat human trafficking and related forms of exploitation. Participants sought to delineate the roles of each stakeholder and enhance collaboration to effectively tackle these nefarious activities.
Mr. Komla Afasi, Executive Director of End Modern Slavery at Engage Now Africa, underscored the organization's commitment to eradicating modern-day slavery, emphasizing the provision of resources and training modules to empower vulnerable populations. He highlighted ENA's “Heal, Rescue and Lift” policy, which focuses on strengthening family and community cohesion while fostering self-worth and reliance among at-risk individuals.
The discussion illuminated various forms of trafficking, including sexual exploitation, child slavery, domestic servitude, and forced labor. Mr. Afasi emphasized the importance of systemic awareness and education to combat these practices effectively.
Representing the Attorney-General's Department, Mr. Andrews Dodzi Agudu acknowledged the challenges in addressing human trafficking but lauded the progress made in the field. He advocated for expedited prosecution of perpetrators, emphasizing the need for interdependence among institutions combating the menace.
Mrs. Stellar Mawutor, Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare, highlighted the challenges posed by traffickers' efforts to evade detection but noted successful interventions that led to the repatriation of trafficked children.
Mr. Augustus Awity, Chief Director of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, commended Engage Now Africa for its initiative and pledged full support from the Council. He emphasized the importance of funding in addressing child trafficking and encouraged stakeholders to explore available resources.
Mr. Francis Wama, Head of ENA in the Volta region, reported on the organization's efforts to provide vocational skills training and engage traditional leaders and community members in advocacy efforts.
