Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) will soon be assessed based on their commitment to child protection, as government introduces new performance measures aimed at strengthening the fight against human trafficking.
The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, announced that assemblies would now be scored on their ability to provide facilities or support systems for rescued children, including temporary shelter and reintegration services.
Under the new framework, assemblies that establish or collaborate to provide child protection units will earn higher marks during annual evaluations, while those without such structures risk losing points.
The policy is expected to drive stronger accountability at the local level, ensuring that child welfare systems move beyond administration to active protection and rehabilitation of victims.
At the same meeting in Accra, stakeholders highlighted the growing scale of human trafficking in Ghana, with law enforcement reporting over 1,200 victims rescued in 2025 alone. Authorities also warned of evolving tactics by traffickers, including false promises of overseas travel that end in exploitation within West Africa.
Government is also turning to faith-based organisations to deepen the fight, recognising their influence in communities. Religious leaders are being encouraged to raise awareness, support prevention efforts, and collaborate with state agencies.
Organisers say the combined approach—linking policy enforcement, community influence, and law enforcement action—aims to close gaps in protection systems and improve outcomes for vulnerable children across the country.
