#TurnBack Human Trafficking. A Year On...!

The Human Trafficking Act of Ghana, Human Trafficking Act, 2005 Act 69 describes human trafficking as a means of the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, trading or receipt of persons within and across national borders by

1. The use of threats, force or other forms of coercion, abduction, fraud,

deception, the abuse of power or exploitation of vulnerability, or giving or receiving payments and benefits to achieve consent.

2.  Exploitation shall include at the minimum, induced prostitution and other

forms of sexual exploitation, forced labor or services, salary or practices

similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs.

On 5th June, 2015; the Ghana Police Service, organizations like Curious Minds and Challenging Heights launched the #TurnBack human trafficking campaign.The launch of the campaign is to increase national vigilance on human trafficking in Ghana and also educate the public on steps to take when such cases occur. Its exactly a year now since the launch of the campaign and the question I ask as a young advocate is; Has the campaign served its purpose, is the public abreast with information on human trafficking, what change has this brought since the launch? I sampled views of other young people who shared their opinion on the questions above. Relax in your couch as you read.

"I think the campaign has served its purpose to some extent because, for some time now I haven't heard or seen any case as compared to how I use to hear of such cases. Not to say it isn't happening . It is, but has minimized.
It is the responsibility of every Tom, Dick and Harry of this country to ensure that young people are safe.We must all be responsible for each others safety.
Nobody ever knows the exact reason for child trafficking because everybody's reason may vary. But we normally hear people say that they were lured into it or they were told there's a good salary job somewhere. What we can do as citizens to help stop human trafficking is to report any case we hear of and advice our young brothers and sisters to seek advice before accepting any job,especially if its far away from home." -Aurelia Mensah (Ghana).

"Personally, I have not seen any implementation yet. Even if it is working in some communities, still more work needs to be done. The focus should be in the urban areas and children especially because some end up into commercial sex trade, hawking and child labor when trafficked. This is not good for their development.

Cases of human trafficking goes on everywhere, even in my community. There is this woman who is into sachet water business, she brings young girls from the village to sell for her and this girls are minors and they sell from morning to evening. They don't go to school. I don't blame the woman though; I blame parents because some are ignorant and use poverty as an excuse. Ending this is the responsibility of  everyone (parent, government, children, stakeholders etc). No one should neglect any responsibility due to poverty or any other excuse" -Joana Obeney.

Most parents who give their wards out turn to cast their burden on poverty as the main reason. Hence I will call it the Chief Excuse Officer(CEO). They are always touched by fake manifestos and bios people give. Children are promised paradise yet they see hell at the end and face cruel treatment.Victims always wish to turn back and enjoy their usual porridge; yet there are no means since some have their passports taken and others can locate their homes.

On the side of Government, I believe plans are still in the pipeline as always said.Creating more jobs for parent and young people and introducing vocations is one key step that should be taken. With this, I believe the issue of trafficking would be minimized.

I envision a Ghana where Parents and young people will be content with what they have. Where Government will also step up the game to make life better.

Stay Tuned For More!

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