By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian
Engage Now Africa (ENA), in collaboration with the Ghana Immigration Service and border control authorities in Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, and Cameroon, has successfully facilitated the safe reintegration of a 20-year-old Cameroonian woman trafficked online to Côte d’Ivoire.
According to ENA, the young woman, named Angel, was initially lured to Côte d’Ivoire with false promises of onward travel to Europe. Upon arrival, she was trafficked and subjected to severe exploitation. Angel shared that the trafficker had initially assured her of quick visa processing for Europe, but once in Côte d’Ivoire, her travel documents were seized, and she was forced into sexual exploitation.
After a failed escape attempt, Angel was trafficked again, this time to Ghana, where she endured further abuse. While in Osu, Accra, she discovered she was pregnant, and after fleeing from her abusers, she and her newborn were left homeless on the streets. A Good Samaritan eventually connected her to the Department of Social Welfare.
Recognizing ENA’s commitment to combatting human trafficking, the La Dade-Kotopon District Department of Social Welfare referred Angel’s case to the organization. With ENA’s support, Angel and her child received medical care and logistical assistance, ensuring their safe return home. Grateful for the help, Angel expressed profound appreciation for the care she and her son received.
The reintegration process was supported by Survivors Network Cameroon, part of the African Survivors Network and Commonwealth 8.7 Network, ensuring Angel’s secure journey back to Cameroon. Financial backing from the ASEA Advancing Life Foundation, amounting to $2,500, covered essential needs like rehabilitation, food, clothing, and transportation, contributing to Angel’s successful reintegration. ENA also provided her with a startup fund to pursue her desired business venture.
ENA praised the Ghana Immigration Service, the Department of Social Welfare, Street Girls Aid, and border authorities across West and Central Africa for their collaborative efforts in supporting Angel’s recovery and reintegration.
The organization also issued a warning to the public, particularly young women, about the risks of online trafficking, which often involves deceitful promises. To raise awareness, ENA has created an educational booklet outlining the tactics of online sexual exploitation to prevent future incidents.
Now safely reintegrated, Angel has committed to advocating against online exploitation, urging young women to be cautious of enticing promises made through social media.
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