The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has warned that traffickers are increasingly using digital platforms and social media to recruit victims, with Ghanaian youth being the most targeted.
Speaking at the Human Trafficking Management Board’s second quarter meeting in Accra, Dr. Lartey said the evolving trend poses a growing concern for national efforts to combat human trafficking.
“The use of digital platforms and social media for recruitment into trafficking networks has become a growing concern, especially among the youth,” she said.
The Minister explained that fraudulent job opportunities, online scams and deceptive migration schemes continue to expose many Ghanaians to exploitation both within and outside the country.
She added that irregular migration, economic vulnerabilities and seasonal activities often heighten trafficking risks, particularly during periods of increased travel and labour migration.
A key highlight of the meeting was the swearing-in of new members to the Human Trafficking Management Board, including the Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr. Marian W. A. Kpakpah. The newly inducted members took the Oath of Office and Secrecy, pledging their commitment to provide strategic direction and oversight for national interventions to prevent, protect, prosecute and partner in the fight against human trafficking.
Dr. Lartey described Dr. Kpakpah as “an additional capable hand whose experience would support the Board’s work.”
She expressed appreciation to members for their dedication, noting that while progress has been made through victim rescues, increased prosecutions and strengthened inter-agency collaboration, challenges remain. These include gaps in sustained stakeholder coordination.
The Board reviewed activities of the Human Trafficking Secretariat and received a presentation on the roadmap for the next National Plan of Action for the Elimination of Human Trafficking in Ghana.
Dr. Lartey underscored the need for a data-driven and inclusive approach in developing the 2027-2030 plan, particularly to address emerging threats such as cyber-enabled trafficking and transnational criminal networks.
She further called for innovative public awareness campaigns ahead of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, stressing the need to reach young people through both traditional and digital platforms.
