He said increased visibility in the lake regions and the borders in particular had been helpful in crushing human trafficking rings.  The Commander said abductions in the Region also dropped from 43 to 37, representing 14 per cent decrease.

Mr Isreal Akrobortu, the Regional Director of the Department of Children at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, said regular sensitisation of fishermen along the coast against the use of underage children in fishing was helping the campaign.

He said through the efforts of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Civil Society groups, victims had been rescued, transactions crushed, and traffickers arrested and prosecuted.

Mr Akrobortu praised UNICEF's support for the Child and Family Welfare Policy, which he said was being used to sensitise communities on the negative effects of child trafficking.  He said the “Ghanaians Against Child Abuse(GACA)” campaign also helped in challenging communities to take a stance against child abuse.

Mr Akrobortu said Compassion International, World Vision International Ghana, and Plan International were working in the Tongu, Krachi, and Adaklu districts, which were all noted for child abuse, to improve child protection and women empowerment.

The Regional Director said the Ministry also increased the number of community engagements, radio shows and other interactive campaigns to raise awareness on issues affecting children.

He said performance contracts signed in 2018 by Municipal and District Chief executives played key roles in the feat.