The 5th Africa Elders and Women Intercultural Dialogue Summit convened in Accra, bringing together leaders, advocates, and stakeholders dedicated to combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling across Africa. During the three-day event, themed “Discourse with Survivors of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling,” participants attended keynote addresses, panel discussions, and multimedia presentations to both raise awareness and foster collaboration.
Keynote Addresses Stress Urgency and Action
The summit opened with a keynote by H.E. Amb. Dr. Engr. Kingsley Onyekachi Okwara, Deputy Head of Mission of the African Union Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly and Special Envoy on Renewable Energy for the United World Congress of Diplomats. He explained that human trafficking remains a critical crisis in Africa and outlined actionable strategies to address it. Moreover, he emphasized the need for strict enforcement of laws against offenders and for public education campaigns to prevent trafficking. In addition, he urged stakeholders to work together to protect vulnerable communities.
Panels Highlight Grassroots and Creative Solutions
Panel discussions featured prominent speakers:
Nanahemaa Adjoa Ankya Awindor, Founder of the Obaapa Development Foundation and Chairperson of Global Africans Against Slavery, discussed community-driven anti-trafficking initiatives.
Kim Poole, Founder of the Teaching Artist Institute (USA), explored how art and education can raise awareness about trafficking issues.
Eric Boakye Peasah, Founder and CEO of Right to Be Free Foundation, shared programs supporting survivors of trafficking.
Amb. Dr. Frank Ighorodje, Special Envoy on Job Creation, emphasized creating economic opportunities to reduce vulnerability.
Furthermore, on the second day, attendees viewed a documentary that illustrated the methods and impact of human trafficking. This presentation not only deepened understanding but also evoked empathy, thereby reinforcing the urgency for collective action.
Sustained Commitment for Advocacy and Protection
The summit concluded with a keynote by H.E. Amb. Dr. Stephen Gbatigbi Ben-Joel, Head of Mission for the African Union Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly and Special Envoy to the African Union for the United World Congress of Diplomats. He stressed that ongoing collaboration across governments, civil society, and communities is essential to combat trafficking and protect vulnerable populations. Consequently, participants were encouraged to maintain long-term advocacy and support programs for survivors.
Overall, organizers highlighted that addressing human trafficking requires multi-sectoral coordination. Therefore, the event left attendees with renewed dedication to advocacy, intervention, and survivor support.
Convener Mr.Cookey Iwuoha, executive director of All Africa Media Network attended the summit, underscoring the media’s vital role in raising public awareness of this urgent issue.
