My trip to Ghana

Ghana is considered to be an oasis in an Africa marred by conflict and poverty. I was surprised to find that human trafficking was so common and that I didn't have to dig to do my research. I thought to myself that if Ghana had such a problem there is likely to be an even greater problem in neighboring countries. But this may not be the case. The US State Dept. recently said that as many as 50,000 people are trafficked into the US each year. Ghana has a very well written law on human trafficking and slave-like exploitation but struggles to enforce it. I think that in the US there are similar laws and efforts and no one wants to say the word "slavery." Trafficking in humans doesn't necessarily rely on abductions or long journeys in shackles. Todays slaves often make the trip themselves, coerced into thinking that a job waits for them, only to arrive and find it impossible to leave. Forced prostitution is the most common form of this phenomena in the US and the most lucrative aspect of human trafficking globally. However, children are also used in forced labor in agriculture and as I learned, fishing. Areas that have economic opportunity are likely to also find ways to cut costs to the 'bottom line.' Globalization and capitalism run amuck is the source behind treating people as disposable units. It is why there are more slaves today than during the Trans-Atlantic trade and they are available at a fraction of the cost. some fascinating reads on this subject are written by Dr. Kevin Bales, such as "Disposable People" and "Understanding Global Slavery." Also worth looking at are the organizations Anti-Slavery International, Free the Slaves and Stop the Traffik. This ugly side of the global economy exists not only because it is lucrative but because people don't know how to identify it or don't pay attention. One of the most common forms of slavery in the US is from domestic servitude and it often happens with people who are very well respected. Keep your eyes and ears open and get informed!