Child Trafficking

What is child trafficking?

Child trafficking is the recruitment, transport, transfer, harbouring or receipt of a child for the purpose of exploitation. Because children cannot consent to their own exploitation, moving a child for exploitation is trafficking even when no force is used.

Forms of exploitation

• Forced labour, including on fishing, farming, mining and in domestic work
• Street hawking and begging for the benefit of others
• Sexual exploitation
• Forced marriage

Consequences for children

Trafficked children are often taken out of school, separated from family, and exposed to dangerous work, abuse, injury and illness. Many lose years of education and childhood that cannot be replaced.

Warning signs

• A child living with non-relatives and not attending school
• A child who works long hours and appears controlled by an adult
• Offers to take children to the city or abroad for "better opportunities" with no clear arrangements

Reporting pathways

Report suspected trafficking to the Ghana Police Service (including its Anti-Human Trafficking Unit), the Department of Social Welfare, or your district assembly.