GIS sensitises drivers to human trafficking

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has organised a sensitisation programme on human trafficking for drivers to educate them on their role in helping to curb the menace.

The sensitisation programme, which was held at the Aflao and Lagos stations at Tudu, Accra, was organised by the Anti-Human Smuggling and Trafficking in Person Unit of the GIS in partnership with OUR Rescue, an NGO that works to combat child sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

It was part of a series of sensitisation programmes by the GIS and OUR Rescue to educate various stakeholders on the need to assist law enforcement agencies and other state institutions in combating human trafficking.

The drivers were educated on how to detect suspected human traffickers and victims of the crime in their vehicles and what they should do in such situations.

Conduits

The Head of the Anti-Human Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons Unit of the GIS, Superintendent Alberta Naa Aku Ankrah, said drivers could be knowingly or unknowingly used as conduits to transport victims of human trafficking.

Human trafficking, she explained, was a trans-national organised crime, which involved many players, and drivers could be used to commit such a crime

“The main people involved may be sitting somewhere, but there are so many middlemen involved. We, therefore, need to sensitise the drivers to know and understand human trafficking so that when they are dealing with people, they will know what to do.

She advised drivers, especially those who ply border areas to be vigilant and report any suspected cases of human trafficking to immigration officials and other law enforcement entities for investigations and action.

“Some people tell drivers to alight children at certain places for others to pick them up. It is imperative for the drivers to ask the right questions and look out for signs of human trafficking and alert law enforcement agencies,” she said

Superintendent Ankrah explained that if a driver failed to report suspected human trafficking using his vehicle, he could become a suspect in the crime.

“If a driver fails to alert law enforcement agencies, he can become an accomplice because he played a role in executing the crime. There is something known as a conveyance in human trafficking and a driver can be accused of playing a role in the crime,” she added 

Support

Superintendent Ankrah said the location of Ghana made it a transit, source and destination for human traffickers and, therefore, called on the public to support the fight against human trafficking.

The Country Manager of OUR Rescue, Fred Akweter, said human trafficking was a dehumanising activity which deprived people of their freedom, dignity and self-worth.

He said his outfit was committed to helping combat the menace and protect victims.

“Our mission is to prevent human trafficking and rescue children who have fallen victim to this crime. We do this by working closely with law enforcement agencies and providing aftercare services for victims,” he said.

Writer’s email: emma.hawkson@graphic.com.gh