12-year-old Forced to Work with Malaria Now Free
Summary:
In late January, IJM and partners worked diligently to bring to safety three young boys ages 9, 10, and 12. The children had spent around seven months to two years trapped in slavery on Lake Volta in Ghana.
The operation went smoothly; largely due to the effective collaboration of our partners.
The team discovered that the 12-year-old had a severe fever. He shared that he had been ill for about a week, but still was forced to work on the lake. He was diagnosed with malaria and received care at the hospital.
The morning after they were brought to safety, the children began to notice the difference it made to wake up in freedom. One of the children reflected, “at this very time, my boat master would be screaming go do this or that or else I am going to beat you up.”
Instead, the boys are now in a safe care home receiving proper medical care and education.
The operation additionally led to the arrest of one suspect who will appear in court later this month.
IJM and partners have brought to safety over 60 children from slavery and exploitation on Lake Volta in 2019, as well as convicting 9 criminals.
Read more about our stories here or about the courageous work of our IJM Ghana Team's work in Ghana.