On February 27, U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Gene A. Cretz delivered the keynote address at the opening of the International Justice Mission office in Ghana. During his speech, he revealed that Ghana is under consideration as the first partner country for a Child Protection Compact Partnership (CPC Partnership) with the United States.
The proposed partnership aims to develop a multi-year plan with Ghana to implement new policies and programs targeting child trafficking and improving child protection in the country. This five-year, $5 million initiative seeks to enhance efforts by the Government of Ghana and civil society organizations to tackle child sex trafficking and forced child labor.
Ghana's potential selection is attributed to its government's commitment to collaborate with the United States and the robust presence of NGOs and international organizations combating modern-day slavery in Ghana. Recent actions by Ghana's government, including approving a memorandum for ratifying the 1993 Hague Convention on Inter-Country Adoptions, amending the Children’s Act, and establishing a Child and Family Welfare Policy, further support this partnership. "When we work in conformity with internationally recognized norms and processes and tighten legislative loopholes, the needs of vulnerable children are also served," stated Ambassador Cretz.
Kaign Christy, Director of International Justice Mission Office in Ghana, announced that this marks their 18th global office. The organization will focus its efforts on eradicating forced child labor in Ghana's Volta region.