IJM Ghana donates surveillance drone to Police Marine Unit to combat child trafficking on Volta Lake

International Justice Mission Ghana (IJM Ghana) has donated a heavy-duty surveillance drone to the Marine Unit of the Ghana Police Service to support efforts to combat child trafficking and related crimes along inland waterways.

The donation was announced during a summit focused on expanding security operations across Volta Lake and nearby communities. The initiative is intended to strengthen monitoring and law enforcement in remote areas where trafficking activities are known to occur.

The meeting brought together stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving “brown water” operations—security activities conducted on inland water bodies such as lakes and rivers. Discussions focused on addressing operational challenges that have limited effective policing in these regions.

Currently, a Marine Unit based in Kete Krachi leads anti-trafficking operations across the Krachi East, Krachi West, and Sene East districts. The unit has carried out rescue efforts and enforcement activities despite facing logistical and resource limitations.

Officials say the newly donated drone will enhance surveillance capacity, support intelligence gathering, and improve response times, particularly in communities that are difficult to access by road.

As part of the expansion strategy, plans are underway to establish additional Marine Unit bases in Ada, Akatin, and Kpando to increase operational coverage and coordination.

Stakeholders at the summit emphasized that strengthening security presence on inland waterways is important for disrupting trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable children living along the lake.

The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to address human trafficking in Ghana through the use of technology, expanded operations, and collaboration among agencies.