Understanding Child Trafficking in Ghana

Causes, Achievements, Challenges and Future Directions

Bibliographic Data

ID19214742
AuthorsSylvester Kyei-Gyamfi (0000-0003-3058-5831, Ministry of Health, corresponding author), Afisah Zakariah (Ministry of Health), Frank Kyei-Arthur (0000-0001-9794-8524, Department of Environment and Public Health The University of Environment and Sustainable Development Somanya Ghana), Abena Annobea Asare (Ministry of Health), Florence Ayisi Quartey (Ministry of Health), Faustina A Acheampong (Gender Studies), Patience Hayford (Ministry of Health), Myles Ongoh (0000-0001-8702-1856, Ministry of Health), Frank Kyei‐Gyamfi (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology)
Year2026
Volume64
Issue3
Publication date2026-05-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Migration (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0020-7985 • E-ISSN: 1468-2435
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/imig.70181
OpenAlexW7161383823
LanguageEN
References cited19

Child trafficking remains a significant child protection issue in Ghana, despite years of policy action and international cooperation. This study explores the causes, achievements, challenges and future directions related to addressing child trafficking in the country. Using a qualitative research design that combines a desk review with a phenomenological approach, the study draws on key informant interviews with 80 participants from government agencies, non‐government organisations, international bodies and affected communities. Thematic analysis revealed that poverty, limited educational opportunities, rural–urban migration and family separation are key drivers of child trafficking. Despite notable progress, such as strengthened legislation, the establishment of the Human Trafficking Secretariat and the development of the National Plan of Action, challenges persist. These include weak law enforcement, limited coordination among institutions and insufficient community‐level prevention. The study concludes that addressing child trafficking in Ghana requires sustained commitment to resource allocation, stronger enforcement mechanisms, improved institutional collaboration and survivor‐centred interventions. The findings provide a timely evidence base to inform future policy and programming aimed at eradicating child trafficking and protecting children's rights in Ghana

Action plan · Child protection · Desk · Government (linguistics) · Human trafficking · Law enforcement · Qualitative research · Thematic analysis · International Human Rights and Reproductive Law · Poverty, Education, and Child Welfare · Sex work and related issues

Tools

Open DOI