The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to tackling human trafficking and advancing gender equality during a courtesy visit by the Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Ghana, Madam Fatou Diallo Ndiaye.
The visit, aimed at congratulating the Minister on her recent appointment, also served as an opportunity to strengthen the long-standing partnership between the Ministry and IOM.
Discussions centered on enhancing collaboration in areas of mutual concern, especially in the fight against human trafficking, child protection, and the promotion of gender equity.
Both sides emphasized the importance of joint efforts in addressing the growing challenges of child trafficking and streetism.
They also explored the need for multi-stakeholder engagement to effectively curb these societal issues. A key area of concern raised during the meeting was the rising incidence of trafficking in sports, with a shared commitment to engage the Ministry of Youth and Sports in grassroots interventions.
Madam Ndiaye, lauded the Ministry’s unwavering efforts in protecting vulnerable groups and pledged IOM’s continued technical and financial support. She noted that IOM remains ready to assist with reintegration programs for trafficking survivors and to collaborate on sensitive issues such as the closure of alleged witches camps.
In response, Dr Lartey expressed appreciation for IOM’s enduring support and outlined the government’s strategic plan to expand existing shelters and establish new facilities across all 16 regions. “The Ministry is the moral fibre of society, and our collective efforts can shape a better future,” she remarked.
She also announced plans to foster inter-ministerial collaboration by engaging institutions such as the Ministries of Labour, Employment, Youth and Recreation, and the Interior to build a more comprehensive migrant protection framework.
Furthering the partnership, the Minister revealed that the Ministry, in collaboration with IOM, will roll out a capacity-building programme for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to strengthen community-level migration management.
The meeting concluded with a strong mutual commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.
Also in attendance were the Ministry’s Chief Director, Dr Afisah Zakariah; Head of the Human Trafficking Secretariat, Madam Abena Annobea Asare; and the Head of the Social Protection Directorate.