31 trafficked children rescued in Volta Region

Thirty-one children, who were trafficked into forced labour on the Volta Lake in the Volta Region, have been rescued.

The children, whose ages range between six and 17, who were in the custody of the Social Welfare Department, were being sheltered, and undergoing counselling, medical screening and rehabilitation.

The rescued team included the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department, (CID), the Marine Police Unit, International Justice Mission and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.

The 11 people, who were arrested in connection with the trafficking, are currently on police enquiry bail assisting with investigations

The Director-General of CID, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Bright Oduro, confirmed the story to the Ghanaian Times, in Accra.

He said the police was collaborating with partners to end child trafficking and forced labour on the lake and other parts of the country.

DCOP Oduro cautioned parents and guardians to be wary of people and relatives who approach them for their children under the guise of taking them to schools in the cities.

He urged opinion leaders to report any incident of trafficking and forced labour to the security agencies.

DCOP Oduro said the police would continue to work with government and other agencies to reduce the menace through sensitisation, rescue operations, protection of victims, and prosecute offenders.