Director of IJM’s West Africa Programme, Anita Budu
The International Justice Mission (IJM) has called for stronger collective action against child trafficking and other forms of exploitation, urging Ghanaians to use their influence within their communities, workplaces and digital platforms to speak out against injustice.
Director of IJM’s West Africa Programme, Anita Budu, made the call when she addressed the congregation of Impact City Church during a Freedom Sunday programme.
She said despite progress made in combating trafficking and violence, many children in Ghana remained vulnerable to exploitation and hazardous labour in sectors including fishing, farming and mining.
“Trafficking is happening here,” Ms Budu said, cautioning against the perception that human trafficking was a problem limited to other countries or distant communities.
Strengthening Protection Systems
Ms Budu said IJM worked globally to protect people living in poverty from violence, trafficking, slavery and abuse by partnering with governments, justice institutions and communities.
In Ghana, she said, the organisation worked with law enforcement agencies, the Judiciary, Parliament, the Office of the Attorney-General, the Department of Social Welfare, community leaders, churches and the media to combat child trafficking and other forms of violence against children.
She explained that IJM’s interventions went beyond rescuing victims and included strengthening systems to prevent trafficking and improve the response of state institutions when violations occurred.
According to her, collaboration among state institutions, communities and civil society had contributed to increased public awareness and improved responses to trafficking.
Churches Join Campaign
Ms Budu identified faith communities as important partners in the campaign, stressing that justice and the protection of vulnerable people were deeply rooted in the Christian faith.
She said Freedom Sunday, observed globally on the third Sunday of September, was intended to remind Christians that worship and justice were inseparable and that churches had a responsibility to stand against exploitation and abuse.
About 80 churches across Ghana were participating in this year’s observance, she disclosed.
The Presbyterian Church’s Women’s Fellowship had also dedicated September to discussions on justice and child protection, while its Young People’s Guild had earlier dedicated a Sunday to discussions on child trafficking.
The campaign has also extended beyond Sunday church services. According to Ms Budu, some Muslim communities were participating in a “Freedom Friday” programme across about 20 mosques, while some Seventh-day Adventist congregations were observing “Freedom Saturday.”
She said the growing participation of different faith communities demonstrated the potential to build a broader national movement against trafficking and injustice.
‘Speak Against Injustice’
Ms Budu urged members of the congregation to take practical action by praying intentionally for vulnerable children and families, supporting child protection initiatives in their communities and becoming advocates for justice.
She encouraged Ghanaians to use their workplaces, communities and social media platforms to draw attention to injustice and support efforts to protect vulnerable people.
She also called for support and prayers for survivors of trafficking, IJM staff, government institutions and donors involved in justice and child protection initiatives.
According to her, survivors required not only freedom from exploitation but also healing, restoration and opportunities to rebuild their lives with dignity.
Prayers for Justice
Lead Pastor of Impact City Church, Apostle Dr Josiah Aubin Jr., subsequently led the congregation in prayers for vulnerable people, trafficking survivors, government institutions, IJM personnel and other stakeholders involved in the fight against injustice.
Ms Budu expressed appreciation to Impact City Church for partnering with IJM to host the programme, saying greater involvement by churches and other faith communities could strengthen Ghana’s efforts to protect children and vulnerable people.
The Freedom Sunday programme formed part of IJM’s broader campaign to mobilise faith communities and other stakeholders around justice, freedom and the protection of vulnerable persons.
