The “Amewuga” advocacy campaign, led by the Ghana Immigration Service’s Anti‑Human Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons Unit (AHSTIP), the Handmaids of the Divine Redeemers Sisters Foundation (HDRSF), and the International Centre for Safe Migration (ICSM), is empowering border communities like Aflao and Denu to resist trafficking, child marriage, and modern slavery. It involved a large-scale outreach to over 2,300 students at Three‑Town SHS, using cultural education and drama to drive the message.
Why This Matters
- Rooted in cultural values: The campaign draws from Ewe ethics, emphasizing that “human life is worthier than money,” making the message resonate with border youth, drivers, and traders.
- Targeting vulnerable groups: Focus is on women, girls, and youth—often the most exposed to exploitation, especially in migrating corridors.
- Combating modern slavery: Addresses complex issues beyond physical trafficking, such as forced labour, sexual exploitation, cyber trafficking, and child marriage.
Campaign Highlights
- School outreach: Students at Three‑Town SHS learned about tactics traffickers use, cyber exploitation, and how to identify and report suspicious activity. Local drama groups performed cautionary skits to reinforce lessons.
- Gender‑responsive approach: GIS Aflao pledged to mainstream protection for women and children and improve post‑rescue care and reintegration.
- Partnership synergy: HDRSF, ICSM, and GIS coordinate training, awareness and rescue efforts, strengthening community resilience while improving support systems for victims.
Broader Context
- Rising national threat: Ghana has seen increased trafficking, particularly in Volta Region. ActionAid reports a 46% rise in trafficking cases between 2020 and 2021, with many victims being children.
- Regional mobilization: Similar efforts in northern Ghana and other regions involve faith-based leaders and civil society groups in fighting child marriage, forced labour, and gender-based exploitation.
“Amewuga” is a culturally anchored, community-driven campaign making significant strides in border towns like Aflao and Denu. By combining traditional values with modern messaging, the initiative is empowering communities to reject human trafficking, modern slavery, child marriage, and exploitation