Engage Now Africa and Social Welfare rescue 20-year-old trafficked Camerounian

Engage Now Africa (ENA), in partnership with the Ghana Immigration Service and border control authorities in Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, and Cameroon, has successfully facilitated the safe reintegration of a 20-year-old Cameroonian girl trafficked online to Côte d'Ivoire.

According to an ENA statement, the girl (Angel) was lured to Côte d'Ivoire with promises of onward travel to Europe, but upon arrival, she fell victim to trafficking and endured severe exploitation.

Angel recounted that her trafficker had initially promised swift visa processing for Europe. However, once in Côte d'Ivoire, her travel documents were confiscated, and she was subjected to sexual exploitation.

After a failed escape attempt, she fell into the hands of another trafficker who took her to Ghana, where she suffered further abuse. 

While in Osu, Accra, Angel discovered she was pregnant and eventually fled. Homeless, she and her newborn were left on the streets until a Good Samaritan connected her with the Department of Social Welfare.

Recognizing Engage Now Africa’s dedication to fighting human trafficking, the La Dade-Kotopon District Department of Social Welfare referred Angel’s case to the organization. 

With the support of Engage Now Africa, Angel and her child received medical care and logistical support, enabling her safe return home. Grateful, Angel expressed deep appreciation to the organization for the assistance she and her son received.

The reintegration process was bolstered by the Survivors Network Cameroon, part of the African Survivors Network and Commonwealth 8.7 Network, ensuring Angel’s secure journey back to Cameroon. Financial support from the ASEA Advancing Life Foundation, totaling $2,500, covered essential items including rehabilitation, food, clothing, transportation, and other needs for her successful reintegration. 

She was also giving a startup fund by ENA to proceed with the business she wanted to venture into.

The statement commended the Ghana Immigration Service, the Department of Social Welfare, Street Girls Aid, and border authorities across West and Central Africa for their roles in supporting Angel’s recovery and reintegration. 

The organization also cautioned the public—especially young women—about the dangers of online trafficking tactics, which often exploit misleading promises. 

Engage Now Africa has developed a public educational booklet to highlight the stages and tactics of online sexual exploitation, helping to raise awareness and prevent further incidents.

Angel, now safely reintegrated, has pledged to advocate against online exploitation, encouraging young women to be vigilant about enticing promises made through social media.