The Role of Health Professionals in the Combat Against Human Trafficking: Perspectives From the Ada East and West Districts in Ghana

Abstract

Background: Human trafficking is a critical public health crisis in Ghana, yet the health sector’s frontline role remains underutilized due to systemic preparedness gaps. This study examined the knowledge, perceptions, and operational challenges faced by health professionals in combating human trafficking in the Ada East and West Districts. Methodology: Employing a mixed-method cross-sectional design guided by the socio-ecological model, quantitative data were collected from 356 health professionals via structured questionnaires, complemented by five expert key informant interviews. Result: Results revealed near-universal awareness (97.8%), but significant disparities in knowledge of trafficking forms, operational readiness to detect, refer, and respond, and legal frameworks, with only 22.5% of respondents are familiar with Ghana’s Anti-Human Trafficking Act (2005). 12.9% have received any formal training on the topic, and only 13.2% report that their facility has a written protocol for managing suspected cases. Eight in ten respondents (81.2%) anticipate facing challenges if asked to handle a trafficking case, citing lack of training (61%), limited referral knowledge (52%), and fear of retaliation (35%) as the dominant barriers. Statistical testing confirms that formal training is the single strongest correlate of practice indicators measured: ability to identify signs (χ² = 15.7, p < 0.001), confidence (χ² = 24.8, p < 0.001), and case encounter (χ² = 51.5, p < 0.001). Significant inequities exist by facility tier and by district, with Ada East workers reporting nearly four times the training rate of Ada West workers (17.7% vs 4.6%). While 87.6% acknowledged their professional role, only 14.3% had encountered suspected victims. Prior training was significantly associated with victim identification (χ² = 15.74, df = 2, p = 0.001). Over three-quarters anticipated challenges, primarily citing inadequate training, unclear referral pathways, institutional constraints, and fear of retaliation. Qualitative findings highlighted structural misalignments, including survivor exclusion from the National Health Insurance Scheme, fragmented inter-agency coordination, and weak policy enforcement. Participants advocated mandatory capacity building, survivor-centered care models, and integrated service delivery. Conclusion: The study finds that while health professionals are willing to intervene, systemic barriers severely limit clinical readiness. Recommendations include institutionalizing trafficking screening into health curricula, reforming insurance coverage for survivors, standardizing referral protocols, and strengthening multi-sectoral coordination. These findings provide critical evidence base for transforming Ghana’s health sector from a passive contact point into an active, accountable pillar of national anti-trafficking efforts.