By Erin Foster | Information and Communications Officer
On 23 October, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the Government of Ghana and village elders, undertook the rescue of a child trafficked into the fishing industry along Lake Volta. Although, the Government of Ghana has national legislation aimed at prosecuting traffickers (Human Trafficking Act 2005) and supports projects promoting awareness about the child trafficking phenomenon, children continue to be given to fishermen by their parents/guardians, particularly in the Volta Region of the country.
French documentary filmmaker Mr Daniel GrandClément accompanied IOM on its rescue of Samuel (name changed to protect his identify). For the first time the process of negotiation, release and return was captured on film. IOM hopes that this forthcoming film will reignite public support for the release of other children that remain in bonded labour to fishermen. “National and international pressure to stop child trafficking practices in Ghana is necessary to ensure a protected and safe future for all Ghanaian children. All children have the right to develop to their full potential without exposure to exploitative practices. We hope that the visualization of Samuel’s experience will contribute to the elimination of child trafficking,” explains Dyane Epstein, Chief of Mission, IOM Ghana.
Soon after his birth Samuel’s family moved to a village near Yeji. When Samuel was only 3 years old he was forced to start work on Lake Volta, bailing water out of his Master’s fishing boat. According to Samuel, he started more the dangerous and physical work at the age of 5, assisting his Master by working with fishing nets, diving to the bottom of Lake Volta and working long hours.
Following his rescue, Samuel, now aged between 14 and 15, will receive counselling and rehabilitation from officials with the Ministry of Social Welfare, any medical needs will be addressed and his parents/guardians will receive micro-grant assistance to better support his long-term needs. Samuel will also be enrolled in school and/or technical training to improve his chances for future success. Any child rescued as part of IOM’s programme undergoes 2.5 years of monitoring in an attempt to ensure a successful reintegration process.
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