Ghana has been upgraded from Tier 2 to Tier 1 in the United States Department of State’s 2026 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, with International Justice Mission (IJM) Ghana commending the government and stakeholders for strengthening efforts to combat human trafficking.
In a statement issued on October 9, 2026, IJM Ghana described the upgrade as a significant national achievement, reflecting progress in prosecuting traffickers, protecting survivors and preventing exploitation.
The organisation said the recognition resulted from coordinated efforts by government agencies, civil society organisations, development partners, the media, traditional and religious leaders, and citizens.
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Ghana’s Tier 1 ranking indicates that the country meets the minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking under the US assessment framework.
IJM Ghana congratulated the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, particularly the Human Trafficking Secretariat, for coordinating national anti-trafficking efforts and implementing Ghana’s National Action Plan.
It also commended the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), and Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment Relations for their contributions to investigations, prosecutions and victim protection.
According to IJM Ghana, the improved ranking reflects measurable progress in law enforcement, victim protection and prevention.
During the reporting period, Ghana prosecuted 212 alleged traffickers and secured 28 convictions, while identifying 2,331 trafficking victims and referring all identified victims to appropriate services.
The government also increased funding for victim assistance and anti-trafficking initiatives, expanded frontline training, strengthened international cooperation and intensified efforts to address online scam operations linked to trafficking and forced labour.
IJM Ghana said the increase in victim identification and referrals demonstrated improved collaboration among social welfare officers, law enforcement personnel, labour inspectors, immigration officials and civil society organisations.
Despite the achievement, IJM Ghana warned that human trafficking remained a serious challenge, particularly for children vulnerable to forced labour in fishing, domestic work, street hawking, agriculture, artisanal mining, quarrying and herding.
Child trafficking on Lake Volta remains a significant concern, with children from Ghana and neighbouring West African countries vulnerable to exploitation.
The TIP Report also highlights the growing use of technology by traffickers to recruit victims through fraudulent job offers, online scams, cybercrime schemes and deceptive migration opportunities.
IJM Ghana said these challenges required sustained investment in child protection, survivor-centred services, public education and coordinated law enforcement.
The organisation noted that civil society groups and non-governmental organisations remain vital partners in providing survivor care, operating shelters, supporting investigations and educating communities.
However, it identified limited shelter capacity, particularly for adult survivors, as a continuing challenge. It called for more resources to strengthen interventions in rural communities, improve survivor services and provide specialised training to combat technology-enabled trafficking.
IJM Ghana urged stakeholders to increase funding for anti-trafficking initiatives and child protection, stressing that Tier 1 status should be a foundation for further progress rather than the end of efforts.
IJM’s Director of the West Africa Programme, Anita Budu, described the upgrade as a national achievement driven by collective commitment.
“Ghana’s elevation to Tier 1 status is a significant national achievement that reflects the power of coordinated action and collective commitment,” she said.
Ms Budu warned that thousands of children and vulnerable adults remained at risk of trafficking and exploitation.
She urged stakeholders to build on the achievement to ensure children are protected, survivors receive support and traffickers are held accountable.