Gaps and Challenges in the Implementation of the International, Sub-regional and National Mechanisms for Cooperation and Referral of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Victims: The Case of Ghana

Abstract

Trafficking in Persons (TIP) is globally widespread. On the African continent, however, it is prevalent in West and Central Africa. Human traffickers often take advantage of the lax security conditions to conduct and perpetuate human trafficking. In recent times, there have been attempts to end TIP by implementing international, sub-regional and national mechanisms for cooperation and referral of TIP victims. These efforts are, however, fraught with challenges. This paper examines the institutional challenges of implementing international, sub-regional and national mechanisms for cooperation and referral of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) victims. Drawing on the concept of institutional collaboration, we explore the gaps and challenges in the implementation of these mechanisms. This study found that the major challenges and gaps faced by institutions working to implement mechanisms for cooperation include disparities in definition of terminologies, financial and logistical constraints, underutilisation of online reporting systems, inadequate partner collaborations, a gap in the development of operational guidelines and the drafting of training manuals, operational challenges and high staff turnover. Despite these challenges, we conclude that there has been significant improvement in coordination activities in Ghana among the various institutional actors, led by the Human Trafficking Secretariat. The relevance of this study lies in the fact that it allows for a critical mapping and appreciation of the challenges developing countries face in tackling TIP, which then gives meaning to Global Northern-prescribed international ranking systems (the tier system) which are otherwise meaningless within the Global Southern context.