More than 3,000 students of Suhum Technical Secondary School in the Eastern Region of Ghana were recently sensitised to the dangers of human trafficking, online exploitation, and cybercrime. The sensitisation seminar, held on Friday, July 31, 2026, was organised by Engage Now Africa in partnership with Ensign Global University.
Experts Share Insights on Human Trafficking
The seminar brought together experts from law enforcement, government institutions, academia, healthcare, and civil society. They included Mr Afasi Komla, Director of Engage Now Africa and an anti-human trafficking expert; Chief Superintendent Alberta Ankrah, National Head of the Anti-Human Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons Unit (AHSTIP) of the Ghana Immigration Service; and SO Salome Gene, National Acting Head of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
The experts provided students with practical guidance on identifying potential trafficking situations, protecting themselves from exploitation, and responding to suspicious recruitment attempts. They highlighted the growing importance of digital safety in the fight against human trafficking, stressing that young people needed to understand how online platforms could be exploited by criminals.
Digital Risks and the Changing Nature of Technology
The organisers noted that fake job advertisements, fraudulent scholarship offers, online recruitment schemes, romance scams, and deceptive messages on social media and gaming platforms were increasingly being used to lure unsuspecting victims. Students were encouraged to exercise caution when engaging with strangers online and to critically assess opportunities presented to them through digital platforms.
They were also advised to protect their personal information, verify job and scholarship offers through trusted sources, and report suspicious online activities to the appropriate authorities. The organisers stressed that preventing human trafficking required sustained public education, particularly among young people who were increasingly exposed to digital risks.
Empowering Young People with Knowledge
The seminar featured a panel of experts with experience in human trafficking, law enforcement, child protection, healthcare, and social welfare. They provided students with practical guidance and insights on how to stay safe online and avoid falling prey to human traffickers.
Engage Now Africa and Ensign Global University expressed appreciation to the management, staff, and students of Suhum Technical Secondary School, the speakers and panellists, and all partners who contributed to the success of the programme. They reaffirmed their commitment to initiatives aimed at protecting children, combating online scams and cybercrime, and strengthening efforts to end human trafficking in Ghana.
The organisers said empowering young people with knowledge remained critical to building safer communities where children could grow and pursue opportunities without fear of exploitation. As the fight against human trafficking continues, it is essential to engage with young people and educate them on the dangers of human trafficking and online exploitation. By doing so, we can build a safer future for generations to come.
Source: Joy Online
