IJM Ghana praises government for Tier 1 human trafficking status

International Justice Mission (IJM) Ghana has praised the government for its upgrade from Tier 2 to Tier 1 in the US Department of State's 2026 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. The upgrade signifies that Ghana now meets the minimum international standards for the elimination of human trafficking. IJM Ghana described the achievement as a major milestone, reflecting significant progress in the country's anti-trafficking efforts and its commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens.

The organization attributed this success to the enhanced collaboration between various stakeholders, including government bodies and civil society organizations. IJM Ghana specifically commended the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for its leadership in driving the national response. Anita Budu, IJM’s Director of the West Africa Programme, emphasized that the Tier 1 status is a testament to the collective dedication of those working to dismantle trafficking networks and provide justice for survivors.

Despite the positive ranking, IJM Ghana warned that substantial challenges remain, particularly regarding the trafficking of children. The organization noted that the Tier 1 status is not a sign that trafficking has been eliminated, but rather that the state has established a strong framework to address it. To sustain this progress, the IJM called for continued funding and the provision of adequate resources to ensure that law enforcement agencies and social services can effectively combat exploitation.

The 2026 TIP Report serves as a benchmark for global anti-trafficking efforts, and Ghana's advancement places it among the countries demonstrating the highest levels of commitment to human rights in this area. IJM Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the government to strengthen protection systems and ensure that perpetrators of human trafficking are held accountable under the law.