On the third day of the Consecrated Persons Against Human Trafficking (CONPAHT -Talitha Kum) workshop in Kumasi, Rev. Fr. Andrew Setsoafia, SJ, Director of the Centre for Spiritual Renewal in his reflection, encouraged members to remain faithful to their mission of saving lives and to be prepared to respond whenever the need arises.
Drawing inspiration from the Gospel story of the five wise virgins, he encouraged participants to remain vigilant, prepared, and committed to their mission.
He reminded members that their apostolate requires them to give their best in every aspect of their lives and to remain faithful to the people they are called to serve.
The first working session began with a beautiful prayer led by Sr. Lucy Sasu, HDR, which inspired reflections and sharing among members.
Participants reflected on their experiences during the street placard campaign. Some members spoke joyfully about the response of people in the community, including individuals who stopped to read the messages, asked questions, and sought clarification about the purpose of the campaign.
The positive response encouraged members to take similar awareness campaigns to other regions and communities across Ghana.
Sharing Experiences from Across Network
One of the significant moments of the third day was the presentation of reports from different regions of the country.
Network members shared how they have been working within their respective regions to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable persons. They highlighted collaborations with teachers, anti-human trafficking units, chiefs, social workers, and other community stakeholders.
These reports showed that although the approaches may differ from one region to another, the mission remains the same: to prevent trafficking, protect the vulnerable, support victims and survivors, and promote human dignity and freedom.
The experiences shared also emphasized the importance of networking. No single person, congregation, institution, or organization can successfully combat human trafficking alone. It requires unity, vigilance, collaboration, courage, prayer, and sustained action.
A United Call for Freedom
The three-day gathering was more than an annual meeting. It was a renewal of the commitment of consecrated men and women and their partners to stand against a crime that robs people of their freedom, dignity, safety, and future.
From prayer and Eucharistic celebrations to professional presentations, experience sharing, community engagement, and street campaigns, every activity pointed to one central truth:
Freedom is meant for everyone
The meeting reminded participants that the fight against human trafficking cannot be left to the police, government agencies, or specialised organisations alone. Religious congregations, young people, families, schools, traditional leaders, social workers, civil society organisations, and communities all have important roles to play.
In thanksgiving to Sr. Olivia Umoh, DC, for her selfless service and dedication in office as the first Coordinator for Ghana Consecrated Persons Against Human Trafficking (CONPAHT -Talitha Kum), the network members appreciated her with words of encouragement and goodwill messages.
The members presented her with gifts and offered prayers for her. The network members also welcomed Sr Fedelia Unigwe, DC, assuring her of their collaboration and support in her new office as the coordinator.
As the members returned to their various regions, they carried with them not only the memories of the gathering but also a renewed commitment to remain alert, courageous, collaborative, and ready to act.
The message is clear: we must see, we must speak, we must act, and we must work together until every person is free from trafficking and exploitation.
By: Sr. Celestina Theresa, SDLM, and Sr. Linda Ojawuri, JMJ
(Catholic Sister Communicators Network, Ghana – CASCON-GH)
