Survivor leaders help protect two children from trafficking in Ghana

Earlier this year, a survivor group in Ghana called ‘Courageous Crew’ helped police protect two young children, including a seven-year-old, from trafficking.

When Jerry, the President of Courageous Crew – an IJM-supported survivor network - received a phone call from a desperate father, he knew he had to act.

Two young children were being trafficked to work on Lake Volta, against their father’s wishes.

Their father had heard of the Courageous Crew and reached out to them in the hope that they could help protect his children.

He shared names and photographs of his children and his desire for them to receive an education.

Without hesitation, Jerry and his fellow survivor leaders set to work, driven by a shared determination to protect the children.

Jerry contacted the police and spoke to an officer who had previously undergone training from the Ghana Survivor Network. 

Thanks to their quick action, the children were protected from trafficking.

Jerry said, “The children were so young, I asked one of them about school and he confirmed that he would like to go to school.”

Today, the children are safe and enrolled in school under the guardianship of another relative, with their father’s permission. When their father came to visit his children, he thanked the Courageous Crew for their help. 

According to Jerry, the training provided by IJM has been pivotal in the pursuit of justice and change.  

“We call on government and all leaders to support the police and department of social welfare to rescue all our brothers and sisters who have been trafficked.

"Children do a lot of hard work, work that is not for children. They should help survivors to fight against and end it." 

This is the power of survivors coming together to combat child trafficking and champion the rights of people who are vulnerable.

How does IJM help police stop child trafficking in Ghana? Find out more >>