A civil society organisation, Global Freedom Network (GFN), has revealed that 91,000 victims of modern slavery have been identified in Ghana since 2021, contributing to a staggering global total of 50 million. The alarming figures were shared by GFN’s Programme Coordinator, Madam Elizabeth Poku, during an interview on the CruzFM Morning Show in Akumadan.
According to Madam Poku, the statistics are based on the organisation’s internal research and highlight the persistent challenge of modern slavery despite decades-old international prohibitions. She noted that, even though the 1926 and 1934 Slavery Conventions outlawed slavery under international law, practices such as human trafficking, forced labour, child marriage, and debt bondage remain prevalent and are even on the rise.
“Modern slavery is far from being eradicated. Our research shows that thousands in Ghana alone remain affected by various forms of exploitation,” Madam Poku stated. She explained that GFN, since its inception in 2014, has targeted the eradication of modern slavery through awareness creation, advocacy, and the forging of global partnerships.
One of GFN’s core strategies involves organising signing ceremonies across the world, where religious leaders unite to make public declarations against slavery. Between 2014 and 2018, such declarations were made in cities including the Vatican, Delhi, Canberra, Jakarta, Buenos Aires, Auckland, and Medellín. On 5 August 2021, Ghana hosted Africa’s first declaration ceremony, with 14 religious leaders from Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nigeria pledging their commitment to the fight against modern slavery.
The recent disclosure comes in the wake of intensified anti-trafficking operations by Ghanaian security agencies. At a press briefing on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, the Ghana Police Service announced the rescue of 33 human trafficking victims and the arrest of 28 suspects. According to Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, the operation was part of intelligence-led efforts to combat cyber-enabled fraud, human trafficking, and illicit arms trafficking in Accra, Tema, and the Ashanti Region.
DCOP Donkor further revealed that earlier this year, security agencies had intercepted several trafficking cases, most notably involving victims trafficked from Nigeria into Ghana. These ongoing operations underscore the complex and evolving nature of modern slavery in the region.
Madam Poku emphasized that understanding the root causes of modern slavery, such as poverty, lack of education, and weak enforcement of laws, remains essential to tackling the issue. She reiterated GFN’s commitment to addressing these challenges through ongoing public education, community engagement, and collaboration with government and international partners.
GFN continues to call on all stakeholders to unite in the fight against modern slavery, urging for increased vigilance, reporting of suspected cases, and stronger support systems for survivors. As Ghana and the world grapple with the realities of modern slavery, the organisation stresses that only a coordinated and compassionate approach can bring lasting change.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com