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IJM Ghana calls for increased funding for anti-trafficking response

Ernest Kojo Manu, Communications Specialist at International Justice Mission (IJM) Ghana, has called on the government to prioritise increased funding for Ghana’s anti-trafficking response, warning that inadequate resources could undermine efforts to implement the National Plan of Action on Human Trafficking and protect victims and survivors.

Date Created : 9/29/2026 : Story Author : Ghanadistricts.com

He made the call at a one-day training on Child Protection, Human Trafficking and Policy Advocacy organised by the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) in collaboration with IJM Ghana on Monday, 28 September 2026. Mr Manu said stronger government commitment was needed, alongside improved institutional capacity, adequate funding and stronger protection for victims and survivors.

Mr Manu noted that the National Plan of Action is currently under review, describing it as an opportunity to address gaps in Ghana’s response to human trafficking and child exploitation. He urged journalists, particularly those covering Parliament, to monitor the review process and any subsequent legislative action to ensure proposed reforms address existing loopholes.

Raising concerns about funding, he said the Human Trafficking Fund supports agencies and provides assistance to victims and survivors, including healthcare, education, shelter and other forms of support. He disclosed that GH¢1 million was allocated to the fund last year but was reduced to GH¢500,000 during the mid-year review, with actual disbursement reaching only GH¢250,000. Advocacy efforts subsequently resulted in the allocation being restored to GH¢1 million this year, he added.

Mr Manu urged journalists to monitor annual reports on the fund to establish how much is allocated, disbursed and received by beneficiaries. He said transparency and sustained oversight were essential to ensure that resources reach frontline agencies and survivors of trafficking.

He also said Ghana’s Human Trafficking Act, enacted about 20 years ago, requires amendment to reflect emerging challenges. He disclosed that the Gender Ministry had previously indicated that the amendment process would begin, with proposed changes eventually expected to come before Parliament, and urged the media to follow the process closely and scrutinise proposed changes to ensure stronger legal protection for children and trafficking survivors.

Mr Manu further urged the media to work with state institutions and NGOs to investigate trafficking cases and allow survivors to tell their stories, while protecting the identities and dignity of child survivors. He reiterated that government must lead the funding and institutional response, stressing that NGOs cannot solve problems such as recruitment gaps in the Department of Social Welfare because that responsibility rests with the state.