International Justice Mission (IJM Ghana) on Monday, March 16, 2026, held its first Public Justice System Leaders’ Summit, aimed at strengthening collaboration among key justice sector institutions in addressing human trafficking.

The Summit brought together Regional and District leaders from the Ghana Police Service, the Department of Social Welfare and the Office of the Attorney General across the Greater Accra, Central, Eastern, Volta, and Oti regions. 

Addressing the summit on the theme, Advancing trauma-informed care and cross-agency collaboration to combat Human Trafficking, West Africa director for IJM, Anita Budu, said; “Each of you represents a critical pillar within the justice system, and while each institution carries its own mandate and responsibilities, we know that justice is the product of coordinated effort, shared understanding, and strong partnerships across disciplines”.

She further noted that IJM’s work across countries shows that when the criminal justice system collaborates in a trauma-informed manner, crime rates drop significantly. 

“Deterrence works best where there is a holistic response from many parts of the justice system. This summit is designed with that reality in mind’’  Ms Budu intimated

Senior state attorney and focal person for the prosecution of human trafficking cases in the Volta and Oti Region, Andrew Dodzi Adudgu, urged all participants, especially public justice system actors, to be well acquainted with the law and remain resolute in the discharge of their duties. 

Mr Adugu explained that the fight against human trafficking is becoming sophisticated and that justice system actors need to build capacity to navigate practical cases that are culturally and religiously nuanced, whilst dealing with political and community interferences. 

In line with the theme, the Greater Accra Regional DSW director, Dr Anastasia Kpei  Mawudoku, urged the participants to be trauma-informed in their dealings with victims and their colleagues, even as they prioritise self-care.

She argues that trauma-informed practices are crucial for effective outcomes in the public justice system. 

The summit is expected to strengthen cross-agency collaboration and coordination among justice system actors, ultimately improving the response to trafficking cases and support for survivors.