The Metropolitan Archbishop of Kumasi, the Most Rev. Gabriel Justice Anokye has reminded Talitha Kum members that the mission of combating human trafficking is enormous and requires constant vigilance and commitment.
In a homily at a Mass at the Centre for Spiritual Renewal at Santasi as part of the 3-day meeting of the members of the Consecrated Persons Against Human Trafficking ( CONPAHT), he encouraged the members to remain alert because trafficking can occur in places and circumstances that may not always be obvious.
The Eucharistic Celebration held on 27th August,2026, was presided over by Archbishop Anokye with Fr. Andrew Setsoafia, SJ, Priest in Charge of the Centre for Spiritual Renewal, and Fr. Anthony Otu Abban, Priest in Charge of the Kumasi Archdiocesan Development Office, concelebrating.
The Kumasi Archbishop called on the network to pray, watch, and remain active in service, reminding them that their mission is ultimately about protecting human dignity and saving lives.
The celebration also provided an opportunity to give thanks to God for ten years in the ministry of Fr. Andrew Setsoafia, SJ.
The Archbishop offered prayers for him, while members joined together in singing and celebrating his years of service.
At the end of the Eucharistic Celebration, Sr. Olivia Umoh, DC, presented small gifts to the Bishop and the concelebrating priests as a sign of appreciation for their presence, support, and encouragement.
The day’s working sessions began with a creative prayer led by Sr. Joy Abuh, MHR, which prepared members for deeper reflection and discussion.
Members then shared their experiences and collaborations with anti-human trafficking units, traditional leaders, chiefs, social workers, and other stakeholders.
These experiences demonstrated the importance of partnership in identifying vulnerable persons, preventing trafficking, and supporting those affected.
The coordinator encouraged members to intensify awareness creation and to remain sensitive and responsive when they encounter situations that may involve trafficking or the exploitation of vulnerable people.
Learning from the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit- Ghana Police Service
One of the major highlights of the afternoon session was a presentation by the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Ghana Police Service. The four police officers shared their experiences of how traffickers operate and explained the role of the police in investigation, rescue operations, victim support, and the prosecution of perpetrators.
The officers acknowledged the dedication and commitment of consecrated men and women and other organizations working to combat human trafficking despite the many challenges associated with the mission.
They encouraged members to continue working with passion and determination and emphasized the importance of reporting suspicious situations.
One message from the police stood out:
“If you see something, say something.”»
The officers also reminded participants that human trafficking is a transnational crime and therefore requires cooperation beyond one’s immediate community or region.
They highlighted some warning signs that may indicate that a person could be a victim of trafficking, including situations where a person:
- Does not know where they are going.
- Does not have money.
- Does not have the necessary travel documents.
The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit also provided contact numbers through which members can reach the police when they need assistance: 18555 / 191.
The officers expressed their willingness to continue supporting the network and other stakeholders in their collective efforts to prevent and combat human trafficking.
Taking the Message to the Streets
The commitment to ending human trafficking did not remain within the walls of the Centre for Spiritual Renewal.
Network members took their message to the streets of Santasi through a placard campaign aimed at creating public awareness about human trafficking.
With placards carrying messages calling on the public to pay attention to the dangers of trafficking, members engaged people in the community and encouraged them to become more vigilant.
The campaign proved meaningful and successful. Several people approached the members to ask questions about human trafficking and to learn more about the work of CONPAHT–Talitha Kum Ghana.
The street campaign demonstrated that awareness creation is not only a responsibility of organizations and authorities. Every member of society has a role to play in preventing trafficking and protecting vulnerable people.
By: Sr. Celestina Theresa, SDLM and Sr. Linda Ojawuri, JMJ (Catholic Sister Communicators Network- CASCON-GH)
