The Western North region has acquired its first office for the Ghana Police Service’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit to boost the fight against human trafficking, child labour and exploitation.
The new facility at Sefwi Mpomam was created with the support of the International Justice Mission (IJM) and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The intervention is geared towards supporting the Ghana Police Service and the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development to provide better protection and support to children and other vulnerable persons at risk of trafficking and exploitation.
Speaking at the opening of the new Anti-Human Trafficking Unit facility, the Western North Regional Police Commander, DCOP Dr Francis Kwame Tsidi, thanked the International Justice Mission for their support.
He noted that hav ing a dedicated Anti-Human Trafficking Unit in the region would help the police to better handle trafficking cases and protect victims.
The new facility is expected to provide child-friendly and victim-centred services to persons who report cases of human trafficking, child labour, exploitation and other related offences.
IJM strengthens police capacity
The West Africa Director of the International Justice Mission, Anita Korkor Budu, said the organisation identified the need for an infrastructure in the Western North Region through its collaboration with the Ghana Police Service.
She explained that IJM had been training and building the capacity of the Police in human trafficking, forced child labour and exploitation.
According to Ms Budu, the new facility would enhance collaboration between the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit and the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) to provide child-friendly and victim-centred services.
She said the aim was to ensure victims were protected and guided through the justice process.
Commander appeals for stalled police projects
Meanwhile, DCOP Dr Francis Kwame Tsidi appealed, through the Western North Regional Minister, to the government to complete stalled Police office complexes and residential accommodation projects in the region.
He said the completion of the projects would go a long way in addressing the infrastructure and accommodation challenges facing Police personnel and improve their operational capacity.
Ms. Budu also urged family members and community members not to settle serious criminal offences at the family or community level.
She said cases of defilement, human trafficking and exploitation should be brought to the appropriate authorities to take the necessary action.
The opening of the new facility is expected to boost the Western North Region’s capacity to fight human trafficking while enhancing protection and accessing justice for vulnerable victims.
Western North Regional Minister, Police Commander inspect abandoned Police Station in Aowin
