The Anti-Kidnapping, Human Trafficking, Child Abuse and Drug Abuse Initiative (AKH-TRACADA) has announced the opening of an operational office in Accra, Ghana, to address the increasing cases of human trafficking involving Nigerian nationals.
Mr Belonwu Ezeanyaeche, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AKH-TRACADA, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
Ezeanyaeche explained that the decision to establish the Accra office followed findings from a two-week fact-finding mission conducted by the organisation in Ghana.
He stated that the findings revealed numerous cases of trafficking, abuse, and forced labour involving Nigerian girls.
Read Also: UNICEF Secures $15M Grant for States in Northern Nigeria
The organisation discovered that some victims, including underage girls and blind minors, were being held in inhumane conditions and forced into sexual activities.
“Our mission to Ghana has shown the urgent need for collaboration across borders to dismantle trafficking networks.
“We are ready to work with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and all relevant agencies to rescue victims and prevent further exploitation.
“Between May and June 2025, AKH-TRACADA will launch sensitisation campaigns across Ghana through town halls, workshops, and stakeholder engagement, aimed at curbing trafficking and drug abuse.
“We are also currently working with eight Ghanaian partners and we are in touch with the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana regarding ongoing investigations and rescue logistics.
“AKH-TRACADA is closely monitoring four flashpoints, including a location where six blind Nigerian girls were reportedly being held and abused,” he said.
The AKH-TRACADA founder also revealed that a hotel in Accra is currently harbouring more than 80 underage Nigerian girls who were trafficked via the sea and are allegedly being forced into prostitution.
He added that the organisation is aware of the case of a mentally challenged Nigerian girl who gave birth in Ghana and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
“The girl is eager to return to Nigeria to reunite with her family,” he said.
Ezeanyaeche expressed concern over the increasing abuse of a substance known locally as “RED,” reportedly being used by many trafficked youths. He described the substance as more dangerous than tramadol.
According to him, this is one of the reasons the organisation is seeking a strategic partnership with NAPTIP to facilitate intelligence sharing, sensitisation, rescue missions, and public awareness campaigns.
“We urge NAPTIP to intensify rescue efforts, particularly for the six blind girls and the recently recovered young mother wishing to return home.
“This is not just a call to action; it is a call for collaboration. Together, we can dismantle these syndicates and offer hope and healing to the victims,” Ezeanyaeche added.
He further reaffirmed the organisation’s readiness to work as a strategic partner to government agencies and international stakeholders.
He also pledged the full cooperation of the organisation in the fight against human trafficking, child abuse, and drug-related crimes.
Ezeanyaeche commended the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana for its cooperation and ongoing investigations into the reported cases.
NAN