Child Trafficking in Ghana
Date of Meeting: 29th Sept 2016
Meeting Organizer: Episcopal Church
ISJC Staff Present: Lt Colonel Eirwen Pallant
Reporter: Lt Colonel Eirwen Pallant
Which SDG does this topic cover? 1, 4, 8
Type of meeting: Presentation by Accra Diocesan Clergy
Brief summary of presentation of information made
The majority of child trafficking in Ghana is domestic. The Volta region is a hotspot for trafficking. Children are taken from Accra to the Volta and may then be taken from the Volta to other destinations. Children from the Volta are also trafficked to other destinations.
Most hair braiding in South Africa is done by women from Kumasi (Ghana). They are indentured for 5 years for passage to South Africa. They are often exploited, including sexually.
The Accra diocese is focusing on domestic child trafficking from Accra to the coastal area. Children are often sold into the fishing industry by their parents because they cannot afford to provide for them. The Diocese aims to decrease human trafficking by decreasing poverty. They will not buy children but offer to provide for the children lessening the economic burden for the parents.
They are partnering with the US embassy for the next 5 years to build The Community of Hope. – a centre providing a home for children and also a clinic. The home is a place for children to stay where they are provided shelter and food. They are provided schooling from Monday to Friday and given an opportunity to go to the coastal area on Saturday and Sunday if they wish. Lessons include English, baking, carpentry.
Free schooling is provided up to the finish of Secondary level education and they are looking for funding for scholarships for University.
They are also raising awareness of child trafficking in the community. The tradition of children “helping” is common in Ghana and recognition of the difference between “helping” and exploitation is a key message. They are also giving training of signs of trafficking to look for such as promising a fast provision of a passport (will be fake) and the provision of attractive gifts.
What was of particular significance to share with The Salvation Army globally?
The issue of child trafficking and the cultural attitudes that affect this.
The magnitude of child trafficking for labour in Ghana and Africa