More than 3,000 students of Suhum Technical Secondary School (SUTESCO) in the Eastern Region have been sensitized to the growing threat of human trafficking and the increasing use of digital platforms by traffickers to target young people. The sensitization programme, held on Friday, July 31, 2026, was organized by Engage Now Africa in partnership with Ensign Global University.
Students Warned Against Fake Job Advertisements
Organisers of the programme said the rapid growth of technology had created new avenues for traffickers and cybercriminals to reach potential victims, particularly children and young people. Students were therefore cautioned against fake job advertisements, fraudulent scholarship offers, online recruitment schemes, romance scams and deceptive messages circulated through social media and gaming platforms.
The students were advised to carefully assess online opportunities, avoid sharing sensitive personal information with strangers and verify job, scholarship and other offers through trusted and legitimate sources. They were also encouraged to report suspicious online activity to the appropriate authorities as part of efforts to prevent trafficking and other forms of exploitation.
Experts Stress Importance of Awareness and Digital Safety
Speakers at the programme stressed that awareness and digital safety had become critical components of efforts to protect children from human trafficking. The seminar featured a panel of experts, including 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 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.
Other panellists included ASP Edith Tetteh-Charway of the Ghana Police Service; Kwame Adabo, Head of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit in Koforidua; Ama Dzifa Amankwah, an international lawyer and child protection expert; Ernest E. Ewusi, Head of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development at the Suhum Municipal Assembly; and Nana Afua Ayesua McRighteous, a midwifery officer and founder of the Ayesua Foundation.
Empowering Young People to Protect Themselves
Organisers said the engagement was aimed at equipping students with practical knowledge to protect themselves and their peers from exploitation in both physical and digital spaces. They also expressed appreciation to the management, staff and students of SUTESCO, Ensign Global University, the speakers and panellists, and the Engage Now Africa team for supporting the initiative.
The organisers reaffirmed their commitment to protecting children, combating online scams and cybercrime, and supporting broader efforts to end human trafficking in Ghana. They stressed that empowering young people with knowledge and practical tools remained critical to building safer communities where children can live free from exploitation.
As the world becomes increasingly digital, it is crucial for young people to be aware of the dangers of human trafficking and cybercrime. The sensitization programme at SUTESCO is a step in the right direction, but it is just the beginning. The fight against human trafficking and cybercrime requires a sustained effort from all stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and individuals. By working together, we can create a safer and more secure environment for our children to grow and thrive.
Source: Joy Online
