Human trafficking in Ghana: A case study

• In Event: Crimes and Criminality: Global Perspectives

Abstract

Human trafficking is a serious security and health problem facing the world. Although not new, experts submit that the phenomenon has escalated recently due to several factors, including globalization and improved communication. Although the traditional destination of most of the victims of human trafficking, mostly from the Third World, had been the developed West, reports from human rights groups, UNO, EU and governments appear to suggest that some of these victims are now being trafficked into other Third World countries. This proposed study will, therefore examine human trafficking from other countries into Ghana, a West African country of over 25 million people. Examined will be the factors that have made Ghana a lucrative and viable destination country for human trafficking. The background characteristics of victims, the country(s) of origin; and the nature of the offenders or those involved and their modus operandi (organized and unorganized) will be examined. The data will come from multiple sources, including local law enforcement, UNO, CIA and human rights watchdog groups. Moreover, both international and local laws that deal with human trafficking, as well as the policies to reduce the incidence and volume of human trafficking that are currently in operation in Ghana will be examined.

Author

• Joseph Appiahene-Gyamfi, University of Texas - Pan American