Human Trafficking has become a worldwide problem in recent years and has without doubt, come to be the world’s fastest growing global crime by which people are enslaved and one of the largest sources of income for organised crime.
Every year, the sanctity and growth of the human race is threatened by traffickers who buy and sell millions of women, men and children to enslave and exploit in numerous ways.
Also referred to as Modern Slavery, it is estimated that approximately 35.8 million people in the world today are made to engage non-consensually in activities such as commercial sex, forced labour, street crime, domestic servitude and even the sale of organs and human sacrifice.
Condemned as a human rights violation, human trafficking in its many forms affects people of all sexual orientations irrespective of age, race, ethnicity and religion; even though, there are a number of situations that can make a person more vulnerable to trafficking.
Poverty, family financial obligations, lack of access to education, unemployment, gender discrimination and political instability are but a few of the main contributing factors that may place men, women and children in vulnerable positions to be trafficked.
In a global marketplace where the profits are high and the risks are low, traffickers recruit, transport, transfer and harbour victims in their own countries or abroad through coercion, fraud or deception by making promises like the provision of quality education, a stress-free luxurious life, a new start and numerous future choices.
The 2014 Global Slavery Index Report revealed that 15.7% of 35.8 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, representing over 5.5 million people are victims of trafficking. As a result of limited economic opportunities, food and water shortages, on-going conflicts and endemic corruption, people living in parts of this Region are particularly vulnerable to modern slavery.
Ghana for instance, has been identified as a source, transit and destination country for men, women and children subjected to forced labour and sex trafficking. According to the Trafficking in Persons Report released by the US State Department last year, Ghanaian boys and girls are subjected to forced labour within the country in fishing, domestic service, street hawking, begging, portering, artisanal gold mining, quarrying, herding, and agriculture. Ghanaian girls, and to a lesser extent boys, are subjected to prostitution within Ghana.
Although data collection on Human Trafficking is not comprehensive and statistics not reliable in Ghana, it is believed that, there is an increase in the number of victims being trafficked overseas from Ghana for sexual exploitation and forced labour.
It was reported that Ghanaian women and children are recruited and sent to West Africa, the Middle East, and Europe for forced labour and sex trafficking. There was an increase in the number of young Ghanaian women recruited with the promise of domestic or hospitality industry jobs in Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon. After their return many of them reported being deceived, overworked, starved, abused, molested, and/or forced into prostitution. Ghanaian men were also recruited under false pretences to the Middle East and subjected to forced labour in the domestic sector and forced prostitution.
The report further mentioned that women and girls voluntarily migrating from Vietnam, China, and neighbouring West African countries are subjected to sex trafficking in Ghana. Citizens from West African countries are engaged in forced labour in Ghana in agriculture or domestic service. Ghana is a transit point for West Africans subjected to sex trafficking in Europe, especially Italy and Germany.
Africa Regional Consultation on Modern Day Slavery/Human Trafficking
To strengthen the capacity of churches and inspire spiritual and practical action for an effective response to Human Trafficking across Africa, the Salvation Army, the Anglican Alliance and the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa convened a five-day regional consultation last week on Modern Day Slavery and Human Trafficking in Cape Town, South Africa, which was hosted by Hope Africa of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa.
Thirty participants, drawn from Anglican Churches and the Salvation Army in Africa as well as representatives from Challenging Heights Ghana, Caritas, the South African Government, the African Union and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reflected, debated and discussed the role of faith based organisations in ending Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.
The Consultation created space for presentations on the extent of human trafficking as well as regional and global statistics on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking with a deliberate focus on trafficking for labour both on land and at sea, trafficking for sexual exploitation, child trafficking, trafficking for organs and trafficking in situations of civil conflict.
The Consultation also addressed strategies to use community assets, map trends and collate resources, advocacy, media and communications to enhance the work of Churches in combating human trafficking, while also seeking for best practises in working with survivor movements and identifying and addressing root causes.
Although participants at the Consultation recognised the initiatives made by world faith leaders including Pope Francis and the Archbishop of Canterbury, who for the first time in history pledged to work together for the freedom of all those who are enslaved and trafficked; it was also acknowledged that much more needed to be done by the Church in the various sectors of society on prevention and protection in all areas.
The Role of the Church
Approximately 71.2 percent of Ghanaians profess a Christian faith, which makes churches a significant and powerful force that could impact on the fight against Human Trafficking/Modern Slavery and also influence the government.
Current anti-trafficking efforts across the world are insufficient in dealing with the challenge of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. That is why religious leaders have a vital role to play in combating this menace by urging their followers to work to find ways to end Human Trafficking.
It is important for churches to articulate theology on human trafficking and modern slavery, have policies on anti-human trafficking to be shared with all members and create effective structures to offer professional legal advice for at-risk, victims and survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery.
Church leaders must be equipped with biblical teachings and interpretations, with awareness of how best to support survivors and with the necessary information for them to do appropriate referrals and counselling.
Churches need to include the issues of anti-Human Trafficking on their agenda in a significant way at local, national, regional and global levels as well as create and implement awareness raising programmes through education and training on modern slavery and human trafficking.
It is also very essential for churches to create partnerships and collaborations that would lead to strategic networking among themselves and include other churches, faith groups and NGOs to join the campaign and share resources to strengthen individual efforts.
By educating themselves to understand the policy and legislative frameworks that seeks to combat trafficking, prosecute perpetrators, protect and reintegrate survivors in Ghana and other countries, religious leaders would build their capacity to advocate for the government to allocate more resources to combat Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery and also develop expertise to identify gaps in policy and legislation which needs to be addressed.
The responsibility of the church cannot be overemphasised in the creation of safe spaces for victims to seek assistance and the provision of practical support for those in danger and survivors in terms of security, accommodation, acceptance and confidentiality, counselling, guidance, follow-up and prayers as well as economic assistance.
In partnership with civil societies and NGOs, churches can push for stiffer laws and penalties for perpetrators, proper reintegration of survivors and their involvement in the drafting of policies or issues of anti-human trafficking.
Church leaders need to promote the concept of the church as a sanctuary devoid of discrimination and judgement for survivors by resourcing and equipping their institutions to provide holistic and culturally appropriate support for those in danger and survivors.
Survivors need help to find healing. A key part of healing is enabling survivors to accept the love of God and to forgive themselves as well as the perpetrator. The Church should be a house of healing and peace where there is no fear of judgement and discrimination. It is also called to be the voice of the voiceless.
By Lucy Pomaa Arthur
The writer is the Communications Manager for Challenging Heights
Email: [email protected] The Church and the fight against human trafficking
Human Trafficking has become a worldwide problem in recent years and has without doubt, come to be the world’s fastest growing global crime by which people are enslaved and one of the largest sources of income for organised crime.
Every year, the sanctity and growth of the human race is threatened by traffickers who buy and sell millions of women, men and children to enslave and exploit in numerous ways.
Also referred to as Modern Slavery, it is estimated that approximately 35.8 million people in the world today are made to engage non-consensually in activities such as commercial sex, forced labour, street crime, domestic servitude and even the sale of organs and human sacrifice.
Condemned as a human rights violation, human trafficking in its many forms affects people of all sexual orientations irrespective of age, race, ethnicity and religion; even though, there are a number of situations that can make a person more vulnerable to trafficking.
Poverty, family financial obligations, lack of access to education, unemployment, gender discrimination and political instability are but a few of the main contributing factors that may place men, women and children in vulnerable positions to be trafficked.
In a global marketplace where the profits are high and the risks are low, traffickers recruit, transport, transfer and harbour victims in their own countries or abroad through coercion, fraud or deception by making promises like the provision of quality education, a stress-free luxurious life, a new start and numerous future choices.
The 2014 Global Slavery Index Report revealed that 15.7% of 35.8 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, representing over 5.5 million people are victims of trafficking. As a result of limited economic opportunities, food and water shortages, on-going conflicts and endemic corruption, people living in parts of this Region are particularly vulnerable to modern slavery.
Ghana for instance, has been identified as a source, transit and destination country for men, women and children subjected to forced labour and sex trafficking. According to the Trafficking in Persons Report released by the US State Department last year, Ghanaian boys and girls are subjected to forced labour within the country in fishing, domestic service, street hawking, begging, portering, artisanal gold mining, quarrying, herding, and agriculture. Ghanaian girls, and to a lesser extent boys, are subjected to prostitution within Ghana.
Although data collection on Human Trafficking is not comprehensive and statistics not reliable in Ghana, it is believed that, there is an increase in the number of victims being trafficked overseas from Ghana for sexual exploitation and forced labour.
It was reported that Ghanaian women and children are recruited and sent to West Africa, the Middle East, and Europe for forced labour and sex trafficking. There was an increase in the number of young Ghanaian women recruited with the promise of domestic or hospitality industry jobs in Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon. After their return many of them reported being deceived, overworked, starved, abused, molested, and/or forced into prostitution. Ghanaian men were also recruited under false pretences to the Middle East and subjected to forced labour in the domestic sector and forced prostitution.
The report further mentioned that women and girls voluntarily migrating from Vietnam, China, and neighbouring West African countries are subjected to sex trafficking in Ghana. Citizens from West African countries are engaged in forced labour in Ghana in agriculture or domestic service. Ghana is a transit point for West Africans subjected to sex trafficking in Europe, especially Italy and Germany.
Africa Regional Consultation on Modern Day Slavery/Human Trafficking
To strengthen the capacity of churches and inspire spiritual and practical action for an effective response to Human Trafficking across Africa, the Salvation Army, the Anglican Alliance and the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa convened a five-day regional consultation last week on Modern Day Slavery and Human Trafficking in Cape Town, South Africa, which was hosted by Hope Africa of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa.
Thirty participants, drawn from Anglican Churches and the Salvation Army in Africa as well as representatives from Challenging Heights Ghana, Caritas, the South African Government, the African Union and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reflected, debated and discussed the role of faith based organisations in ending Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.
The Consultation created space for presentations on the extent of human trafficking as well as regional and global statistics on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking with a deliberate focus on trafficking for labour both on land and at sea, trafficking for sexual exploitation, child trafficking, trafficking for organs and trafficking in situations of civil conflict.
The Consultation also addressed strategies to use community assets, map trends and collate resources, advocacy, media and communications to enhance the work of Churches in combating human trafficking, while also seeking for best practises in working with survivor movements and identifying and addressing root causes.
Although participants at the Consultation recognised the initiatives made by world faith leaders including Pope Francis and the Archbishop of Canterbury, who for the first time in history pledged to work together for the freedom of all those who are enslaved and trafficked; it was also acknowledged that much more needed to be done by the Church in the various sectors of society on prevention and protection in all areas.
The Role of the Church
Approximately 71.2 percent of Ghanaians profess a Christian faith, which makes churches a significant and powerful force that could impact on the fight against Human Trafficking/Modern Slavery and also influence the government.
Current anti-trafficking efforts across the world are insufficient in dealing with the challenge of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. That is why religious leaders have a vital role to play in combating this menace by urging their followers to work to find ways to end Human Trafficking.
It is important for churches to articulate theology on human trafficking and modern slavery, have policies on anti-human trafficking to be shared with all members and create effective structures to offer professional legal advice for at-risk, victims and survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery.
Church leaders must be equipped with biblical teachings and interpretations, with awareness of how best to support survivors and with the necessary information for them to do appropriate referrals and counselling.
Churches need to include the issues of anti-Human Trafficking on their agenda in a significant way at local, national, regional and global levels as well as create and implement awareness raising programmes through education and training on modern slavery and human trafficking.
It is also very essential for churches to create partnerships and collaborations that would lead to strategic networking among themselves and include other churches, faith groups and NGOs to join the campaign and share resources to strengthen individual efforts.
By educating themselves to understand the policy and legislative frameworks that seeks to combat trafficking, prosecute perpetrators, protect and reintegrate survivors in Ghana and other countries, religious leaders would build their capacity to advocate for the government to allocate more resources to combat Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery and also develop expertise to identify gaps in policy and legislation which needs to be addressed.
The responsibility of the church cannot be overemphasised in the creation of safe spaces for victims to seek assistance and the provision of practical support for those in danger and survivors in terms of security, accommodation, acceptance and confidentiality, counselling, guidance, follow-up and prayers as well as economic assistance.
In partnership with civil societies and NGOs, churches can push for stiffer laws and penalties for perpetrators, proper reintegration of survivors and their involvement in the drafting of policies or issues of anti-human trafficking.
Church leaders need to promote the concept of the church as a sanctuary devoid of discrimination and judgement for survivors by resourcing and equipping their institutions to provide holistic and culturally appropriate support for those in danger and survivors.
Survivors need help to find healing. A key part of healing is enabling survivors to accept the love of God and to forgive themselves as well as the perpetrator. The Church should be a house of healing and peace where there is no fear of judgement and discrimination. It is also called to be the voice of the voiceless.
By Lucy Pomaa Arthur
The writer is the Communications Manager for Challenging Heights
Email: [email protected] Ghana’s economy isn’t growing – Economist
An economist, Dr Kofi Orlins-Lindsay, says the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) decision to maintain the monetary policy rate at 26 per cent is a clear indication that the economy is not growing as expected.
He said “if the economy was to be growing and livelihoods were being improved, the BoG would have reduced the policy rate.”
The policy rate, which has been maintained at 26 per cent since November last year, is the highest lending rate over a decade now, despite three separate review meetings held by the BoG’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).
Dr Orlins-Lindsay told Onua FM that the “the high inflation is the main reason the BoG cannot reduce the lending rate because a low lending rate in this economic climate will push inflation higher than current levels.”
A low lending rate is likely to reduce interest on loans commercial banks give out to businesses to expand their activities. However, businesses complain that access to loan is currently difficult and expensive due to the high interest rates on loans by banks.
The 2016 first quarter Business Barometer Report published by the Association of Ghanaian Industries (AGI) ranked access to credit as the fourth major challenge industry is facing in the country.
High cost of utility, multiplicity of taxes and exchange rate volatility were the only challenges facing businesses that were ahead of access to credit.
Economy under threat?
“Once government aims at achieving single digit inflation, it is likely the BoG will continue maintaining the policy rate at 26 per cent or even possibly increase it if economic conditions demands it,” Dr Orlins-Lindsay said.
The Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of Ghana (BOG) kept its policy rate at 26 per cent because of macro economic conditions that could threaten economic growth and inflation, the BoG said on Monday.
Chairing his first MPC meeting since becoming governor of BOG, Dr. Abdul-Nashiru Issahaku said “in assessing the current economic conditions, the Committee views the risks to inflation and growth as balanced and therefore decided to maintain the monetary policy rate at 26 per cent.
“The Committee remains committed to its price stability mandate and will continue to monitor developments in the economy and take further policy actions, if necessary,” he added
He said “since the last meeting of the Committee, there have been two readings of inflation. Headline inflation rose to 19.2 percent in March, from 18.5 percent in February. The sharp increase in March was largely influenced by the lagged effect of the upward adjustment in transport costs.
“In April, however, inflation declined to 18.7 percent following a slowdown in non-food inflation. The monthly inflation rates also slowed, supported by stability in the exchange rate,” the Governor said.
“There are, however, risks in the inflation outlook. These include unanticipated upward adjustments in utilities and petroleum product prices and possibly second round effects from such adjustments on prices. The slow but persistent pickup in food inflation, since August 2014, is also a source of concern for inflation.”
Moreover, “the growth outlook is broadly positive contingent on sustained improvements in the energy supply, continued stability in the local currency and additional oil and gas production. However, risks such as tight credit conditions and continued tightness in the fiscal stance may moderate the pace of economic activity,” Dr. Issahaku said.
By Nii Okai Tetteh|Onua 95.1FM|3news.com|Ghana
Kenyan police used ‘gruesome violence’
A leading rights group has accused Kenyan police of using “gruesome violence” to break up an opposition protest in the capital on Monday.
Protesters were beaten up even after being “subdued”, said the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. Kenya’s police chief said officers intervened to curb “lawlessness”, but an internal inquiry would be held to look into the allegations against them. The opposition called the protest to demand electoral reforms. Church leaders appealed for calm, saying next year’s general election should not lead to death and destruction. “We must hold elections in a peaceful and harmonious manner without breaking this country,” said Bishop Alfred Rotich of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops. A group of 15 opposition supporters pleaded guilty in court on Tuesday to taking part in the illegal protest in Nairobi, the capital. They denied the more serious charge of being armed and breaching the peace.
Image: Police say they intervened to stop lawlessness
Image AP: The police chief has promised an investigation into the conduct of his officers
Image AP: Image captionThe opposition accuses the electoral commission of being biasedCanada oil workers urged to flee blaze
Around 12,000 people have been urged to leave Canada’s oil sands camps near the fire-hit town of Fort McMurray as a resurgent wildfire heads towards them.
A regional official told the BBC that 8,000 people were given precautionary evacuation orders late on Monday, in addition to some 4,000 who had already been advised to leave. More than 80,000 people fled the fire that hit Fort McMurray two weeks ago. Air pollution in the Alberta city is still at dangerously high levels. A reading on Monday found the level to be 38 – far exceeding the provincial index’s most dangerous level of 10. The vast fire had moved away from Fort McMurray but in recent days it has started to threaten the area again.
Fort McMurray wildfires – in-depth
Image EPA: Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Fort McMurray on Friday
Canada’s oil sands industry
- Oil sands are a mixture of sand, water, clay and a thick, heavy oil called bitumen
- Bitumen is extracted using surface mining and drilling, and must be treated before it can be turned into petrol and other usable fuels
- Canada has the third largest oil reserves in the world after Venezuela and Saudi Arabia
- The Alberta oil sands produced about 2.3 million barrels a day in 2014
Hiplife artiste Wisa endorses Akufo-Addo
Popular Ghanaian hiplife artiste, Wisa Greid, has endorsed the presidential candidature of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, ahead of this year’s elections.
Born Eugene Ashie, the ‘Ekiki me’ hitmaker declared his support for Nana Addo, when the latter visited ‘Agyeman’ in the La Dadekotopon Constituency of the Greater Accra Region.
“I can also boast that today I have met Nana Akufo-Addo,” said Wisa, who came under fire for exposing his manhood on a musical stage last year.
“I have been an NPP supporter from childhood, because the NPP is the party my father supported. I know what is happening in town. I am a musician and I need electricity to do my work. If there is no power, how do I work?” he asked.
“I am happy we have a man in Ghana who has set his sights on changing Ghana and changing our circumstances. I believe in Akufo-Addo, and I am certain that he can change things for us the youth. From 7th November onwards, Nana Akufo-Addo will take over, ‘I dey tell you’”.
The NPP flagbearer was also the special guest of honour at the semifinals of a football tournament dubbed “Obama Soccer Fiesta”, organized by the NPP parliamentary candidate at the La Town Park.
Nana Addo presented a trophy for the eventual winner of the tournament.
Source: 3news.com|Ghana
Speaker of Parliament in stern warning to ministers
Speaker Adjaho has therefore charged the Majority in Parliament to assume the role of persuading ministers to be present on the floor anytime they are needed by the legislature to answer questions.
The head of the legislative arm of government made this call in Parliament on Tuesday, May 17 on the first day of the 2nd Meeting of the 4th Session of the Sixth Parliament.
Members resumed after a three-month recess. They are expected to consider 29 bills including the Plant Breeders Bill and the National Disaster Management Organisation Bill.
Previous meetings in the 4th session had been rocked by absenteeism on the part of ministers of state, a situation that angered the Speaker on a number of occasions.
Mr Adjaho admitted on Tuesday that with limited time on its hands, Parliament would expect maximum cooperation from ministers.
Minority Leader Osei-Kyei Mensa-Bonsu in seconding the Speaker’s concerns asked ministers to prepare adequately especially with questions usually approved beforehand.
Members were also charged to up attendance in order to ensure that scheduled businesses are completed “on time”.
Fears were expressed about attention of members being divided between business of the House and 2016 electioneering as a majority will be up for re-election in November.
Source: 3news.om|Ghana
I’ll be a gospel musician when I retire from boxing – Ayittey Powers
Australian-based Ghanaian boxer Michael Ayitey Okine, popularly known as Ayitey Powers, has revealed that when he retires in the next two to three years he will plunge into gospel music.
Ayittey Powers, a staunch member of TB Joshua’s Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), says he already has a couple of gospel songs.
The songs he said were composed from the inspiration by Prophet TB Joshua.
“[When] I retire from boxing, I am going to be a musician as well and the name Powers will still be there,” he told U-TV’s Romeo Oduro.
“I am a gospel artiste and I have a lot of gospel songs about my prophet because his God made me reach this far and I have a lot of gospel songs about the man of God,” he added.
“I have all these great fans behind me and I think I have the fame and the fans are still there. My name Powers will still remain. I am a gospel musician as well and soon I will release my latest as well.”
The light heavyweight boxer further said he is deeply into music and believes the music will take his name far just as boxing has done to him.
He emphasized that the love for the pugilistic sport has not waned.
“I love boxing. Boxing is my everything. I eat boxing, drink boxing and do everything with boxing. I have to retire at the age of 43-45 and walk away just as every boxer does. Now I have the strength but in three years’ time I might not have the same strength to do anything in boxing again and I will call it a quit.”
His love for his Godfather TB Joshua seems ineffable as he says a chunk of his songs will be about the Nigerian man of God.
“As I speak to you now, my true story will come out soon and you will know why I always mentions Prophet TB Joshua’s name.”
Ayittey Powers has lost twice to popular boxer Braimah Issah Kamoko also known as Bukom Banku and after their aggressive shows, Powers appeared to prove no match for Kamoko.
Source: 3news.com|Ghana
Attivor’s historical prison account was twisted – Woyome suggests
Canvassing votes for the MP for Ketu South early this year, Dzifa Attivor who resigned as a minister after the controversial Smarttys bus branding saga, is reported to have accused the NPP of being a tribal party bent on prosecuting only Ewes if it wins the forthcoming general elections.
Speaking in her native language, she referred to the record of the NPP government between 2001 and 2008, and argued the NPP targeted only members of her ethnic group for prosecution.
Her comments attracted avalanche of criticisms from some statesmen including former President Rawlings, himself an Ewe.
But the MP for South Tongu in the Volta Region told TV3’s +275, debate for parliamentary aspirants on Tuesday, Attivor’s critics based their condemnation on a translation, he indicated was poorly done.
“The woman did not say what was transcribed in English,” he strongly argued. “In any case the woman was simply admonishing the people, the audience, through what I will consider a historical account.”
This account, he indicated was appropriate because it will “guide ourselves into the future”.
Mr. Woyome, who is running for a third time as a Member of Parliament said he has “no problem at all” with what Dzifa Attivor said having listened to the tape severally.
“These were things that happened. And as it happened, they ought to be told, they ought to be orally communicated, probably even written for people to come and see later,” he remarked.
But the NPP parliamentary candidate elect for South Tongu, Seth Agbi would not say whether or not Attivor was wrongly attributed in English, but could sense some fears in her.
“If you are not stealing anybody’s fowl when the person is coming you don’t panic,” he started his take on Attivor’s comments with an adage.
“She is afraid of her own shadow,” Seth Agbi pointed out, wondering, “If you have not done anything why should you fear?”
Story by Isaac Essel | 3news.com | Ghana