Challenging Heights, a Ghanaian human rights organisation, has announced the rescue of 82 victims of human trafficking and forced labour since the beginning of 2025, in close collaboration with the Ghana Police Service.
Of the 82 rescued, 57 were children—31 boys and 26 girls—trafficked into forced labour within Ghana’s fishing industry. The remaining 25 victims, all Nigerian girls, were rescued from forced prostitution at illegal mining sites in the Western Region of Ghana. These cross-border victims have since been safely repatriated to Nigeria, while the Ghanaian children have received comprehensive rehabilitation and educational support.
Challenging Heights operates the largest human trafficking victim rehabilitation centre in Ghana and has worked with the Ghana Police Service’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for over two decades to combat human trafficking.
“We commend the Ghana Police Service for 20 years of steadfast collaboration. Together, we have rescued thousands of children from trafficking rings operating in the fishing, mining, and farming industries,” said James Kofi Annan, President of Challenging Heights.
According to the Global Slavery Index, over 49.6 million people globally are trapped in modern slavery, including over 91,000 in Ghana alone. On Lake Volta, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, it is estimated that more than 21,000 children are engaged in forced labour under dangerous conditions, deprived of education, safety, and basic rights.
Urgent Appeal to Government
Challenging Heights is urging the Minister of Finance to allocate a minimum of GHS 20 million to Ghana’s Human Trafficking Fund in the upcoming 2026 national budget. The organisation is also calling on the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection to initiate amendments to the Human Trafficking Act, 2005, to address current challenges and better protect victims.
“We need urgent and bold investment in prevention, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts. Trafficked children suffer immense physical and psychological trauma. We cannot afford to delay,” added James Kofi Annan.
Human trafficking is a criminal offense under Ghanaian law, punishable by a minimum of five years and up to 25 years imprisonment. Challenging Heights is appealing to the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of trafficking or exploitation.
“Let us stand together to protect our children and uphold their right to a future free of abuse and exploitation,” the statement concluded.
By Peter Quao Adattor
