In May 2025, MDF West Africa was officially selected to lead a nationwide gap analysis of Ghana’s Public Justice System, in partnership with International Justice Mission (IJM). The study is part of a broader effort to strengthen the country’s response to child trafficking and improve justice delivery for vulnerable children.

The assessment will establish baseline data on the performance of the Public Justice System using IJM’s standardized indicators and tools. It will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative research, qualitative interviews, and document reviews, and will cover selected districts across all 16 regions of Ghana. MDF West Africa, as the lead researcher, will oversee all phases of the research and produce a comprehensive report based on the findings by February 2026.

To support the successful execution of the study, a recent high-level forum convened key national institutions including the Ghana Police Service, the Judiciary, the Department of Social Welfare, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, the Attorney General's Department, and several civil society organizations. The forum aimed to foster collaboration and secure cross-sector commitment to the process.

Following this, a co-creation meeting was held with stakeholders to shape the direction of the study. The session provided a platform for participants to align expectations, exchange ideas, and map out practical strategies for assessing how effectively the justice system addresses child trafficking.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to reforming Ghana’s justice sector and protecting children from exploitation. It also highlights MDF West Africa’s dedication to working alongside diverse institutions to build a more responsive, data-driven system that ensures justice for those most at risk.

‍