Anti trafficking Group Unveils Plans to Tackle Menace
Osita Osemene began his tenure as president of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL) at the weekend, outlining plans to strengthen the organisation’s operations, expand its membership and improve its public visibility.
His first day in office began with a meeting of the national executive, where members discussed priorities for the new administration.
Osemene said the organisation had activated committees to address gaps in communication, membership management, capacity development and coordination.
“We have activated committees that would carry out various functions. We started with establishing the communication team and the essence is to give NACTAL both national and global visibility,” he said.
He said a membership committee had also been established to verify existing members, update membership records and recruit new members.
“In the next three months we are targeting 500 members and in the next six months one thousand,” Osemene said.
Another committee would focus on capacity development, coordination and reporting, with the aim of improving cooperation with NACTAL’s partners.
Osemene said the new administration would also promote evidence-based implementation and reporting, alongside greater inclusion of members in project activities.
He said efforts were under way to reconcile members and stakeholders aggrieved by issues surrounding the organisation’s recent election.
“It would be a process in order to look at the issues that have caused the grievance so as to achieve genuine reconciliation,” he said.
Osemene also condemned the treatment of Nigerians repatriated by the Ghanaian government, saying some of those affected were victims of human trafficking and should not be treated as criminals.
“The Nigerian government and CSOs have frowned against the treatment. Most of them were trafficked victims and they must not be treated as criminals. Investigations should be carried out appropriately. Ghana should desist from such practice, it is a shame as we are brothers,” he said.
He called for appropriate investigations into the circumstances surrounding their treatment.
The president also announced a 90-day appraisal period to assess the organisation’s operations and measure progress under the new administration.
Meanwhile, former NACTAL president Abdulganiyu Abubakar formally handed over an inventory of office equipment and the organisation’s operational vehicle to Osemene. He pledged to support the new administration whenever called upon.
