Francisca Oteng Mensah, the deputy minister for gender, children, and social protection (MoGCSP), has called for cooperation amongst tourist organisations to fight human trafficking and advance ethical travel in the nation.
Although tourism is a significant economic engine, the deputy minister who made the call claimed that over time, it has evolved into a cover for traffickers to carry out covert operations.
She emphasised that it was now being used to target helpless people looking for better possibilities.
"These victims are seduced by the promise of successful careers, higher education, or a way out of poverty.
Tragically, individuals frequently find themselves caught in a cycle of exploitation, going through unspeakable anguish and torture," she added.
Awareness
Ms. Mensah was speaking at a session to increase traveller awareness and agency for travel and tourism yesterday.
Participants included delegates from the Ghana Immigration Service, the Ghana Traditional Caterers Association, the Economic and Organised Crime Office, and the Tour Guide Association.
The Ghana Tourism Federation, Ghana Tourism Society, Ghana Tourism Authority, Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, hotels, the police, and attorneys were among the others.
She urged all parties involved to work together to inform the public about the warning signals and effects of human trafficking.
"We must notify the authorities of any suspicious activity or human trafficking situations.
The victims and survivors of human trafficking require our support as well as the necessary treatment and help.
We must encourage and assist law enforcement in their efforts to prosecute human trafficking victims' rights and preserve the rights of criminals," she added.
Collaboration
In order to successfully combat human trafficking, the deputy minister also urged cooperation with various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organisations, the media, the commercial sector, religious organisations, and foreign partners.
Ms. Mensah emphasised the need for training hotel, travel agency, and tour operator staff to recognise and report suspicious activities as she further urged the tourism sector to assume responsibility and adopt strict policies and codes of conduct to prevent business involvement in human trafficking.
"Human trafficking is reversible. It is imperative that we all safeguard children.
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