By: Peterlyn Mensah
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Ghana has reaffirmed its strong partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to intensify efforts against human trafficking, gender inequality, and child protection issues.
This renewed commitment was cemented during a courtesy visit by the IOM Chief of Mission in Ghana, Madam Fatou Diallo Ndiaye, who led a delegation to congratulate the newly appointed Minister, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey.
The meeting marked a significant step toward revitalizing collaboration between the two institutions.
Discussions centered on deepening cooperation in critical areas such as combating human and child trafficking, addressing streetism, and promoting gender equality across communities. Both parties also addressed the emerging issue of trafficking in sports and pledged to work closely with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to address this challenge at the grassroots level.
The IOM Chief of Mission in Ghana, Madam Fatou Diallo Ndiaye lauded the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and emphasized IOM’s continued support through technical expertise and funding. She also expressed the organization’s willingness to assist with reintegration programs for trafficking survivors and help resolve issues related to alleged witches’ camps.
In response, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey commended IOM for its longstanding collaboration and shared the government’s vision of expanding shelter services across all 16 regions. This expansion aims to provide timely care and protection for victims of abuse and trafficking. “
The Ministry represents the moral conscience of the nation,” she stated. “What we do or fail to do can shape generations. We must rise to the occasion and leave a legacy of compassion, justice, and resilience” she said.
To further strengthen national response mechanisms, the Minister announced plans to engage other key ministries Labour, Youth and Recreation, Employment, and the Interior to enhance migrant protection systems.
Additionally, a comprehensive capacity-building initiative, in partnership with IOM, will soon be launched to train Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) on effective migration management in their respective jurisdictions.
The meeting concluded with a shared pledge to deepen collaboration and uphold the dignity and rights of all especially society’s most vulnerable.
Also present were the Ministry’s Chief Director, Dr. Afisah Zakariah; Head of the Human Trafficking Secretariat, Madam Abena Annobea Asare; and Head of the Social Protection Directorate.
One Response
This partnership between the ministry and IOM In battling with human trafficking, gender inequality and child protection needs strategic actions to address it and It’s so much joy to see this institution taking action to protect the vulnerable in our communities.