Seven boys now free from trafficking in Ghana

Philip* and six other boys, some as young as 11, are now safe from trafficking in Ghana.

The boys had been forced to work up to 17 hours a day in the fishing industry. They reported sleeping on fishing nets on the floor, being pricked by hooks and at times being severely beaten.     

After several months, Philip decided he couldn’t suffer any more. Early one morning, he took a small amount of money from the fisherman and escaped on a canoe.   

When Philip reached the shore of another community, he found a vehicle bound for his hometown. But to his horror, the fisherman was already on board: he had come in search of him.   

The fisherman hauled Philip to a police station and reported him for stealing his money and boat. But an IJM-trained police investigator happened to be in the office that day.  Thankfully, the investigator recognised the signs of trafficking.

The investigator quickly called the Department of Social Welfare (DSW) and IJM for support. IJM assisted the police to bring six more boys to safety from trafficking at the hands of the same fisherman.  

The Police Division Commander was overwhelmed after hearing how Philip escaped and stated, “This boy is indeed a hero.”

All of the boys are currently safe in a shelter and have been assessed by the DSW and IJM’s aftercare team for medical and other needs. Their case is yet to proceed to court. 

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*Pseudonym. Image of actor used.