By Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako
The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has revealed that hundreds of human trafficking victims were intercepted along the Aflao-Akanu border corridor in 2025, underscoring the growing security challenges confronting one of Ghana’s busiest international gateways.
Speaking during a working visit to security agencies at the Aflao Border, the Minister disclosed that security operations led to the rescue of 714 victims of human trafficking, all of whom were traced through the Aflao-Akanu corridor.
According to him, intelligence gathered during investigations showed that approximately 97 percent of the victims identified Aflao as their transit point, highlighting the strategic importance of the border area in efforts to combat trafficking networks operating across West Africa.
The Minister further revealed that investigations had resulted in the arrest of several suspected traffickers, including about 90 foreign nationals, pointing to the international dimensions of the criminal operations. He noted that human trafficking syndicates continue to exploit cross-border movements, making stronger cooperation among security agencies essential to dismantling their activities.
Mr. Mohammed-Mubarak expressed concern over operational challenges affecting border security, particularly frequent power interruptions that disrupt critical surveillance and immigration systems. According to him, when network and electronic systems go offline, officers face difficulties capturing and processing information on travelers crossing the border. He warned that such gaps create opportunities for traffickers, smugglers, and other criminal elements to evade detection and move across borders undetected.
To address the challenge, the Minister disclosed that government is exploring alternative energy solutions, including solar-powered backup systems, to ensure uninterrupted operation of border management infrastructure. The intervention, he explained, is expected to improve surveillance capabilities and strengthen the efficiency of immigration and security operations at key border posts.
The Interior Minister praised officers of the Ghana Immigration Service, police, customs officials, other security agencies and MCE Hon Nicholas K. Worclachie for their efforts in combating human trafficking, drug trafficking, smuggling, and related transnational crimes. He said the achievements recorded so far demonstrate the importance of intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration.
The Minister urged security personnel to remain vigilant and strengthen cooperation in tackling emerging threats along the country’s borders. He stressed that protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation requires continuous monitoring, intelligence sharing, and proactive enforcement measures. According to him, government remains committed to strengthening border security systems and addressing operational challenges that undermine effective surveillance.
Source News Volta
