Ghana’s elevation to Tier 1 in the 2026 United States Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report has been welcomed by International Justice Mission (IJM) Ghana, but the organisation is warning that persistent child exploitation and gaps in survivor protection remain major challenges.
IJM Ghana, in a statement issued on Friday, October 9, congratulated the government and other stakeholders on the country’s upgrade from Tier 2 to the highest category in the annual assessment by the US Department of State.
The organisation, however, cautioned that the improved ranking should not be treated as the end of the fight against human trafficking, calling instead for sustained investment in child protection, survivor support and law enforcement.
According to the statement, Ghana prosecuted 212 alleged traffickers, secured 28 convictions and identified 2,331 trafficking victims during the reporting period. All the identified victims were reportedly referred to appropriate support services.
The country also increased funding for victim assistance, expanded training for frontline officers and strengthened international cooperation to tackle trafficking, including exploitation linked to online scams.
IJM Ghana said the progress reflected coordinated efforts by government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, the media and communities.
Child trafficking remains a major concern
Despite the improved ranking, the organisation said children in Ghana continued to face exploitation in fishing, domestic work, street hawking, agriculture, artisanal mining, quarrying and herding.
Child trafficking on Lake Volta remains a significant concern, while children from Ghana and neighbouring West African countries remain vulnerable to forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
The statement also highlighted the growing use of technology by traffickers, who exploit fraudulent job offers, online scams and deceptive migration opportunities to recruit victims.
IJM Ghana warned that these emerging threats required stronger prevention measures, specialised training for law enforcement officers and greater investment in child protection systems.
IJM calls for more funding
The organisation identified limited shelter capacity, particularly for adult survivors, as another challenge requiring urgent attention.
It called for increased investment in anti-trafficking interventions in rural communities, improved survivor-centred services and adequate resources for frontline institutions.
IJM Ghana also emphasised the role of civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations in providing survivor care, supporting investigations, operating shelters, conducting public education and strengthening prevention efforts in high-risk communities.
The organisation said these interventions remained important in addressing gaps in protection services and helping vulnerable people recover from exploitation.
‘A national achievement’
IJM’s Director for the West Africa Programme, Anita Budu, described Ghana’s elevation to Tier 1 as a significant national achievement reflecting coordinated action and collective commitment.
She commended the government and stakeholders whose efforts contributed to the milestone.
However, she stressed that thousands of children and vulnerable adults remained at risk of trafficking and exploitation, urging stakeholders to intensify their efforts to protect victims and hold traffickers accountable.
The organisation called for sustained collaboration, stronger accountability mechanisms and continued funding to ensure that the progress recognised in the US report translates into lasting protection for vulnerable people.
What tier 1 means
Tier 1 is the highest category in the US Department of State’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report. It means the US government considers a country to be fully meeting the minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking under US law.
Ghana’s previous ranking was Tier 2, a classification it had maintained for seven consecutive years.
The ranking does not mean human trafficking has been eradicated. Rather, it reflects an assessment of government efforts to prevent trafficking, prosecute offenders and protect victims.
For Ghana, the latest recognition represents progress in its anti-trafficking response, while the concerns raised by IJM Ghana underline the need to sustain and deepen those efforts.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
