Unveiling Barriers to Justice

Investigating Child Trafficking Prosecutions and Convictions in Ghana

Bibliographic Data

ID21692126
AuthorsSylvester Kyei-Gyamfi (0000-0003-3058-5831, Department of Children Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection Accra Ghana, corresponding author), Afisah Zakariah (Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection Ghana), Frank Kyei-Arthur (0000-0001-9794-8524, Department of Environment and Public Health University of Environment and Sustainable Development Somanya Ghana), Abena Annobea Asare (Human Trafficking Secretariat Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection Accra Ghana), Florence Ayisi‐Quartey (Policy, Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation Directorate Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection Accra Ghana), Faustina A Acheampong (Department of Gender Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection Accra Ghana), Patience Hayford (Department of Children Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection Accra Ghana), Myles Ongoh (0000-0001-8702-1856, LEAP Management Secretariat Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection Accra Ghana), Frank Kyei‐Gyamfi (Department of Computer Sciences Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi Ashanti Region Ghana), Frederick Hans Ampiah (UNDP Country Office, Sierra Leone Freetown Sierra Leone), Stephen Afranie (0000-0002-9408-1774, Centre for Social Policy Studies University of Ghana Legon Ghana)
Year2026
Publication date2026-07-05
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueChild & Family Social Work (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1356-7500 • E-ISSN: 1365-2206
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/cfs.70239
OpenAlexW7167500566
LanguageEN
References cited26

Human trafficking remains a global challenge, with children, especially in West Africa, forming a significant proportion of victims. Despite Ghana's Human Trafficking Act (2005), child trafficking prosecutions and convictions remain low. This study explores institutional, procedural and contextual factors affecting these outcomes. Using a qualitative approach, it integrates a desk review and 80 key informant interviews with justice and child protection stakeholders (56% male, 44% female), including law enforcement, prosecutors, immigration, social welfare and civil society representatives. Thematic analysis revealed systemic gaps: weak inter‐agency coordination, limited investigative resources, prolonged legal delays and inadequate victim support. These reflect structural and behavioural barriers undermining justice. Applying the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), the study shows that justice actors' strong intentions to prosecute are constrained by insufficient institutional support, reducing their control and motivation. Cultural norms and procedural inefficiencies exacerbate underreporting and case attrition. The findings underscore the need for improved coordination, resource allocation and victim‐centred approaches. This study provides evidence‐based recommendations to strengthen Ghana's anti‐trafficking efforts, enhancing legal and policy interventions to protect children and improve justice outcomes

Child protection · Desk · Economic Justice · Human trafficking · Procedural justice · Psychological intervention · Thematic analysis · Welfare · African Sexualities and LGBTQ+ Issues · Poverty, Education, and Child Welfare · Sex work and related issues

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