Residents of Kpeve in the South Dayi district of the Volta Region have been assured of full protection should they report human trafficking activities in their community.

The assurance came from the Department of Social Welfare (DSW) during a sensitisation workshop organized in collaboration with the International Justice Mission (IJM) Ghana.

The event was held alongside the Ghana Education Service’s (GES) Circuit Inter-School Sports Festival, which provided a platform to raise awareness among students, teachers, and the wider community about the dangers of human trafficking.

The festival, which brought together about 900 pupils from two cluster schools, featured competitive sporting activities such as football, volleyball, handball, and track events.

During the opening and closing ceremonies, the District Director of Social Welfare for South Dayi, Mr. Philip Kokroko, urged community members to collaborate with his office and other stakeholders, including IJM, to tackle the menace of human trafficking. He assured students, teachers, and residents of absolute protection should they report any suspicious activities related to trafficking in their community.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Kokroko noted that while efforts to curb human trafficking in Kpeve have seen some progress, the fight is facing new challenges. He cited the growing reluctance of community members to report incidents, as well as evolving methods adopted by trafficking syndicates, making it increasingly difficult to track and rescue victims.

"We want every member of this community to know that they are not alone in this fight. If you see something, say something. Our office, together with our partners, are here to ensure that you will be fully protected. Together, we can put an end to human trafficking in Kpeve and beyond," Mr. Kokroko stated.

In a separate engagement, the Public Relations Officer of the GES in the district pledged his office’s support for IJM’s advocacy efforts, underscoring the need for continued collaboration to safeguard children from exploitation.

As part of its commitment to community engagement, IJM, through its Community Mobilization Coordinator and Community Relations Officer, donated 12 medals and nine trophies, which were presented to outstanding athletes and winners across various sporting disciplines. District Sports Coordinator, Mr. Michael Worlanyo Senoo, expressed deep appreciation for the support, describing it as a historic moment for the competition.

“In all the years I’ve been doing this work, this is the first time any organization has believed in my vision and supported me. I am filled with joy!” he noted.

The Trafficking Menace on the Volta Lake

The Volta Region, particularly areas surrounding the Volta Lake, has long been identified as a hotspot for child trafficking and forced labor. Children, often lured with promises of education and better opportunities, are trafficked and forced into hazardous labor, including fishing under dangerous conditions.

Many of these children endure long hours of work, physical abuse, and deprivation, making rescue and rehabilitation critical.

IJM’s Decade-Long Fight Against Human Trafficking

For the past decade, IJM Ghana has played a critical role in combating human trafficking, particularly in the fishing industry along the Volta Lake.

Through strategic partnerships with law enforcement, government agencies, and community leaders, IJM has supported the rescue of hundreds of trafficked children, facilitated prosecutions of traffickers, and supported the rehabilitation and reintegration of survivors.

The organization has also worked extensively on training stakeholders and strengthening policies to prevent trafficking and protect vulnerable communities.