Twenty-four children have been rescued from forced labour on Lake Volta, following an escape orchestrated by 12-year-old Godwin Dogbey. Godwin, who endured three years of forced labour after being lured under false pretenses, managed to send a message for help, leading to a joint operation by police and the International Justice Mission.
Godwin's ordeal began in 2015 when he was taken from Hohoe, believing he was visiting his hometown. Instead, he was abandoned on an island in Lake Volta and forced into dangerous fishing work. He was made to untangle nets underwater despite not knowing how to swim, facing hazards like submerged tree stumps and electric fish.
This incident underscores the pervasive issue of child trafficking in Ghana, particularly within fishing communities. Traffickers often exploit trust, promising education or better opportunities to parents and children. These children are then subjected to hazardous conditions, with some, according to Godwin, not surviving the harsh environment.
Superintendent William Ayaregah, Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Ghana Police Service, confirms that traffickers frequently exploit existing relationships. Parents are often deceived by promises of education or improved prospects for their children. Children, in turn, have little reason to distrust the adults who transport them away from home.
Some traffickers specifically target children with particular skills, such as swimming abilities. They use false promises of education or urban opportunities to lure them away. These children are then sent to fishing communities where they face severe exploitation.
For Godwin, the deception was particularly painful because it came from someone he believed was a family member. After three years, he found an opportunity to escape. He sent a message through the boat master's son, clearly stating that any rescue team needed to include security personnel.
Police officers and staff from the International Justice Mission eventually arrived on the island. This operation resulted in the rescue of Godwin and 23 other children, who were then taken to Kete Krachi. Godwin's bravery not only secured his own freedom but also helped liberate others.
Operations on Lake Volta are complex for the police, as Superintendent Ayaregah explains. Rescuers must first identify where children are being exploited, often through surveillance. Launching an operation requires careful planning and execution.
A significant challenge is that some child victims are afraid to testify against their traffickers. This fear is especially strong when alleged perpetrators are believed to have influence within their communities. For prosecutors, the challenges extend beyond the initial rescue.
Senior State Attorney Andrew Dodzi Adugu, who handles human trafficking cases in the Volta and Oti Regions, acknowledges improvements in arrests, prosecutions, and public education. However, he rates the overall response at about six out of 10, indicating considerable remaining gaps.
These gaps include a shortage of shelters and logistical support for victims. The justice system also faces its own limitations. The Oti Region, for example, has only one functioning circuit court in Jasikan, with another under construction. Its first High Court has only recently become operational.
These judicial limitations lead to repeated adjournments and lengthy delays in trafficking cases. As Ghana observes World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Godwin’s story serves as a stark reminder. It highlights that behind the statistics are real children whose lives are profoundly impacted by broken trust and the courage of others.