Parents’ reflections on child trafficking mitigation mechanisms in trafficking hotspot communities

Author: Mbamba, Crispin Rakibu; Amponsah, Enoch Boafo; Yeboaa, Portia Akua; Annang, Deborah & McCarthy, Mary

Abstract: Evidence shows that the majority of the world’s trafficking in persons for sexual and labour purposes occurs over short distances. In Ghana, children are largely trafficked from rural communities into resource-prone areas to engage in intensive labour activities. This study explores the views of parents in communities where children are largely trafficked, on the best ways to intervene in child trafficking cases. In-depth interviews were conducted with 21 adults (who are parents) from communities in Ghana. Data were managed with HyperRESEARCH software and analysed thematically. Findings reveal that providing vocational and technical training to improve means of livelihood, promoting knowledge on trafficking, and strictly enforcing laws will contribute to combating child trafficking in Ghana. The study recommends the need for inter-organisational collaboration and calls for the government to create rural opportunities for financially struggling families to prevent them from falling prey to traffickers due to their hardships.

Keywords: child trafficking, mitigation mechanisms, trafficking communities, caregivers