The Ghana Police Service has expressed concern over the increasing use of sports as a conduit for human trafficking, cautioning that young athletes are being lured with false promises of opportunities abroad.
The warning was issued by William Ayaregah, Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), during a media training session held on 15 April 2026 at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Head Office in Accra.
The training brought together sports journalists and key stakeholders to enhance understanding of trafficking risks within the sports sector and to strengthen the role of the media in prevention efforts.
Mr Ayaregah explained that traffickers often target promising young athletes by offering trials and professional contracts overseas, which ultimately turn out to be fraudulent schemes leading to exploitation.
“Human trafficking is a crime that strips people of their rights, ruins their dreams, and robs them of their dignity. Help stop this crime,” he stated.
He noted that many victims and their families invest significant resources in pursuit of these opportunities, driven by the belief that sport can provide a pathway to a better future. However, in many cases, victims arrive abroad to discover that no legitimate clubs exist, while others have their travel documents confiscated and are left stranded in vulnerable conditions.
Mr Ayaregah stressed the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies, football authorities, the media, and the public to address the growing threat. He further cautioned journalists to exercise due diligence when reporting on sports-related opportunities, warning that traffickers often exploit media platforms to reach potential victims.
He emphasised that efforts to combat human trafficking must extend beyond law enforcement to include families, communities, and sporting institutions, all of which play a role in safeguarding young people from exploitation.
The session formed part of broader initiatives aimed at improving awareness and promoting responsible reporting on human trafficking within Ghana’s sports sector.
