The International Justice Mission (IJM) Ghana has welcomed Ghana’s promotion from Tier 2 to Tier 1 in the United States Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, describing the change as recognition of the country’s growing efforts to tackle human trafficking.
The Tier 1 classification means Ghana meets the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking in persons under the United States’ Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
The report recorded 212 prosecutions of alleged traffickers during the reporting period, resulting in 28 convictions. Authorities also identified 2,331 trafficking victims and referred every identified victim to appropriate support services.
Ghana’s government increased funding for victim assistance and anti-trafficking programmes, while also improving training and international cooperation. The progress was supported by collaboration between government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners and local communities.
IJM Ghana said the ranking reflected advances in law enforcement, the identification of victims and the provision of assistance to those affected by trafficking.
However, the organisation warned that significant risks remain, particularly for children subjected to forced labour in fishing, domestic work, agriculture, street hawking, artisanal mining, quarrying and other sectors. Child trafficking on Lake Volta continues to be a major concern.
IJM Ghana also raised concerns about the use of technology to support trafficking through fraudulent job offers, online scams and deceptive migration opportunities. It said these developments required stronger prevention measures and more effective law enforcement.
Anita Budu, IJM’s Director for the West Africa Programme, said the Tier 1 status demonstrated the impact of coordinated national action.
“Ghana’s elevation to Tier 1 status is a significant national achievement that reflects the power of coordinated action and collective commitment. We commend the Government of Ghana and all stakeholders whose dedication has contributed to this milestone,” she said.
Ms Budu said the achievement should lead to renewed efforts to protect people at risk and ensure perpetrators face justice.
“At the same time, we recognise that thousands of children and vulnerable adults remain at risk of trafficking and exploitation. This achievement should inspire us to work even harder to ensure every child is safe, every survivor is protected, and every trafficker is held accountable,” she stated.
IJM Ghana said maintaining the new status would depend on greater investment in child protection and anti-trafficking programmes, stronger services for survivors and increased shelter capacity. It also called for specialised training for frontline officers and greater focus on vulnerable communities.
The organisation commended the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
It also acknowledged Parliament, the media, traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups, development partners and citizens for helping raise awareness, report suspected trafficking cases and protect vulnerable people.
