Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has raised alarm over the growing threat of human trafficking through sports, describing it as a structured and dangerous system exploiting the dreams of young athletes across West Africa.
Speaking at a National Forum on Trafficking Through Sports organised by the International Organization for Migration, the Minister acknowledged the strong ambition among young people to seek opportunities abroad.
“I have seen the ambition of our youth. I have seen the sacrifices families make. And I understand the urgency that drives young people to chase opportunity wherever they believe it exists,” he said.
He noted that many young athletes are inspired by African legends such as Abedi Pele, Roger Milla, Samuel Eto’o, and Azumah Nelson, believing talent alone can secure a better future.
However, the Minister warned that this dream is increasingly being exploited. “What we are dealing with today is not isolated incidents. It is a system,” he stressed, noting that trafficking through sports—particularly football—has evolved into a structured informal economy in the region.
Data cited at the forum indicates that more than 15,000 children are trafficked annually in West Africa under the guise of football opportunities. A survey by FIFPro also shows that 70 percent of African players have been approached by agents promising opportunities abroad, yet 56 percent never receive trials and 44 percent fail to secure contracts.
In Ghana, the situation remains concerning, with over 30 percent of aspiring athletes reportedly encountering exploitative recruitment schemes, while nearly 96 percent express a desire to play abroad, largely driven by economic pressures.
“This is not random migration. This is a supply chain of vulnerability,” the Minister said, attributing the trend to weak domestic systems, unregulated intermediaries, and financial hardship.
He also referenced a tragic case involving a young Senegalese goalkeeper, Cheikh Touré, who was lured abroad with promises of a football trial but was later kidnapped and killed after ransom demands were not met.
To address the issue, the Minister outlined several government interventions, including restructuring the sector into two ministries—Sports and Recreation, and Youth Development and Empowerment—to ensure more focused policies.
Government has also allocated one million Ghana cedis to each Premier League club this season and increased the league winner’s prize money from GH¢500,000 to GH¢2 million to strengthen the domestic football ecosystem.
Beyond funding, authorities are tightening regulations around player recruitment and transfers, while investing in grassroots and school sports development.
Mr. Adams emphasised that while Ghana’s Human Trafficking Act provides a solid legal framework, effective enforcement and coordination remain critical.
He further warned that risks extend beyond athletes to fans, especially as Ghana prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, cautioning against fraudulent travel schemes.
“Our country may be known for gold and cocoa, but the greatest resource we have is our youth,” he said. “That talent must not be exported through exploitation.”
He called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, including mandatory verification for young athletes travelling abroad, strict licensing of agents, and transparent development pathways.
“If we get this right, we will not only stop trafficking but build a future where the next generation of African greats emerge through dignity and protection,” he concluded.
