Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has revealed that Ghana rescued 2,331 victims of human trafficking in 2025, describing it as the highest figure recorded in recent years.
Speaking at the launch of activities marking the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons in Accra, the Minister said this year’s theme, “Human Trafficking Can End: The Time is Now: Blow the Whistle on Sports Trafficking,” is particularly relevant as the world heads towards the upcoming FIFA World Cup amid growing concerns over the exploitation of young athletes and sports talents.
Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey indicated that the sharp increase in rescues reflects intensified efforts against cyber-related trafficking, online exploitation and romance scam networks.
She disclosed that, 106 offenders were prosecuted and convicted for cybercrime trafficking and exploitation-related offences, while 54 others were convicted for human trafficking and child labour offences after 222 cases were investigated last year.
The Minister warned that traffickers are increasingly exploiting the dreams of young athletes through fake sports contracts, scholarships and overseas recruitment opportunities. She urged the public, the media and sports institutions to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to help protect vulnerable young people.
“The 2025 data further shows that out of the 2,331 victims rescued, 1,544 were men, 789 were women, and out of this number, 425 were children, and the rest, 1,906, were adults.
These figures tell an important story. They are not just numbers. They demonstrate improved collaboration among institutions, increased public awareness, strengthened enforcement operations, enhanced detection systems, and greater institutional capacity to identify and rescue victims” she said.
