ECOWAS Provides US$35,000 Grant

The National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce, has signed a US$35,000 grant agreement with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The Agreement is to strengthen ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in the country.

At the signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Labour on Wednesday, June 10, National Anti-Human Trafficking chair, Cooper W. Kruah, reaffirmed government’s commitment to combat human trafficking.

Kruah, also a Minister of Labour, described the crime as a serious violation of human dignity and fundamental human rights.

He said, government remains resolute in discouraging trafficking through prevention, protection, and the prosecution of perpetrators.

He noted that while authorities and partners continue to intensify efforts to eradicate the crime, traffickers have developed new methods to carry out their illegal activities.

Kruah stressed the need for additional training of labour inspectors with specialized expertise in trafficking in persons. According to him, deploying trained inspectors at border entry points, and within vulnerable communities will enhance efforts to detect and prevent trafficking cases.

He meanwhile, expressed profound appreciation to ECOWAS for its continued support and partnership in the fight against human trafficking.

Kruah acknowledged ECOWAS as a trusted ally whose contributions have strengthened the response mechanisms.

He highlighted the successful utilization of the first ECOWAS grant of US$35,000, which helped address the urgent needs of 61 trafficking victims.

However, he noted that the growing number of trafficking cases currently before courts underscores the need for increased support from ECOWAS and other development partners.

He called on the government to allocate additional resources to the National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce to ensure the effective implementation of programs to eliminate trafficking.

Earlier, ECOWAS Officer-in-Charge in Liberia, Dr. Nathaniel B. Walker, described human trafficking as one of the most serious threats to human dignity, human security, and sustainable development in the region.

Walker said, the crime disproportionately affects women, children, and other vulnerable populations while undermining social cohesion and institutional development.