Talithakum Ghana Network, a Catholic-led initiative against modern slavery, has raised urgent concerns about the persistent human trafficking crisis plaguing Ghana, fueled by poverty, systemic neglect, and a pervasive “culture of silence,” per Ghana News Agency. During an awareness campaign for the International Day Against Human Trafficking on July 30, 2025, national coordinator Reverend Sister Oliviah Umoh revealed the issue’s alarming scope, noting its prevalence not only in remote villages but also in urban hubs like Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale. “Trafficking is happening in homes, guesthouses, and hotels, right under our noses,” she said.
The network, comprising Catholic priests and nuns, focuses on identifying, rescuing, and advocating for victims—mostly young women trafficked for forced sex work or domestic labor. Umoh highlighted a disturbing trend: some families, driven by economic hardship, knowingly permit or encourage daughters to be trafficked under false promises of lucrative jobs abroad, often in the Middle East or Europe. Systemic complicity worsens the crisis, with reports of police, landlords, and community leaders ignoring or enabling exploitation by renting properties to traffickers. “People know and say nothing,” Umoh lamented, pointing to guesthouses where victims are held captive.
Talithakum’s campaign featured street marches with bold placards demanding justice and policy reform, rallying communities to break the silence. Umoh stressed that one day of action is insufficient, calling for daily commitment from government, churches, civil society, and individuals to dismantle trafficking networks. She cited data from the International Organization for Migration, estimating thousands of Ghanaians, particularly from the Volta and Northern regions, are trafficked annually, often lured by deceptive job offers.
The network collaborates with local NGOs and law enforcement to provide safe houses and rehabilitation for survivors, but Umoh warned that without systemic change—stronger laws, better enforcement, and poverty alleviation—traffickers will continue to thrive. “As a nation, we are failing our youth, from families to the state,” she said, urging a united front to ensure human beings are not treated as commodities.
The Ghana human trafficking crisis demands immediate, collective action to protect vulnerable communities and hold perpetrators accountable. Stay updated on Talithakum’s efforts and the fight against the Ghana human trafficking crisis!
