IOM, Sports Ministry train journalists to combat human trafficking

The International Organization for Migration, in collaboration with the Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, organised a media training workshop to address the growing threat of human trafficking within the country’s sports sector.

The training, held on April 15, 2026, at the head office of IOM, forms part of the “Addressing Human Trafficking in Sports in Ghana” project, supported by the IOM Development Fund.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening the role of the media in combating trafficking and promoting safe migration pathways for sports men and women .

Human trafficking and irregular migration continue to pose serious global concerns, with increasing implications for sports.

In Ghana, rising interest among young people to pursue sporting careers abroad, coupled with limited access to formal recruitment systems, has heightened vulnerability to trafficking.

Many aspiring athletes are increasingly falling prey to unlicensed agents, informal academies, and fraudulent intermediaries who promise opportunities overseas.

These risks have been further compounded by emerging trends such as cyber-enabled recruitment scams and fake opportunities tied to major global sporting events.

However, gaps in knowledge about trafficking in sports and the complexities of migration pathways have often limited the effectiveness of reporting on such issues.

It also aims to promote survivor-centred storytelling and encourage deeper investigative reporting into trafficking networks operating within the sports ecosystem.

The programme brought together sports journalists, media editors, content creators, and communication professionals within the sports industry.

PAH/JE