Transnational Human Trafficking And Its Security Implications For African Countries: A Case Study Of Ghana

ABSTRACT Globalization has enhanced the interconnectedness and interdependence of states. No state can solely depend on itself, globalization as a phenomenon however has both positive and negative sides. One of such negatives is the intensification of transnational crimes such as human trafficking. Human trafficking poses serious threats to developing countries like Ghana. This study therefore examines the security implications of human trafficking in African countries using Ghana as a case study. The study also examines some of the measures that have been adopted by successive governments and civil societies to fight human trafficking in Ghana and the challenges faced in the fight against the menace. Analysis of both primary and secondary data shows that human trafficking has very serious security implications for the individual and the state. Human trafficking specifically for the purpose of sexual exploitation leads to the spread of diseases such as HIV/AIDS. Human trafficking is also associated with other serious crimes such as terrorism, money laundering and drug trafficking. The study further reveals that Ghana has put in place measures in the form of laws and institutions to alleviate human trafficking. Despite these efforts, the work further reveals that the fight against human trafficking has been marred with some challenges that frustrate the efforts of the various stakeholders in countering the activity in Ghana.