The Country Director of the International Justice Mission, Anita Budu, has expressed concern over the absence of shelters to accommodate children who have been rescued from the clutches of child trafficking.

Speaking during an interview with Joy News at the conclusion of the second Young Journalist Fellowship Program, she emphasised the crucial role shelter plays in the rehabilitation of young victims.

She is appealing to the government to fortify social services with the necessary resources to effectively combat the distressing issue of human trafficking.

“The department of Social Welfare's role is to provide support to any child who has been seen to be in need of care and protection.”

“When that happens and a child needs to be protected, a protective shelter is where a child is placed for the period of their rehabilitation while their family is being located and for them to be assessed and returned to them where it is safe.”

Madam Anita also suggested mechanisms such us foster care placement and others which she believes government could consider as support through social services for young children who are vulnerable and in need of care protection to be well supported along the whole journey.

“My plea is that social services are supported and the resources needed are put in place for them to be able to have the full spectrum of placement available to support those really in need,” she indicated.

She also encouraged journalists to use their platforms to educate people and create sensitisation so Ghanaians are not vulnerable to human trafficking.

The Young Journalists Fellowship Program is a flagship initiative of International Justice Mission, Ghana and a one-year fellowship program for young journalists to advance their careers by learning to educate, sensitize and empower communities towards the fight against human trafficking.

The 2nd cohort of the Young Journalists Fellowship Program (YJFP) closed on August 24, 2023.

The fellowship saw 16 journalists including Joy News’ Nicholas Ekow Yamoah taken through training workshops, coaching sessions, networking events and cohort discussions.

This aims to further their understanding of advocacy journalism, the nature of human trafficking in Ghana and their role in media campaigns.