Structural Patterns That Facilitate the Trafficking of Children: Narratives from Practitioners Involved in the Rescue and After-Care of Trafficked Children

Author: Mbamba, Crispin Rakibu; Amponsah, Enoch Boago & Ndemole, Ignatus Kpobi

Abstract: Trafficked children are plagued with a complexity of issues that impede their overall growth and development. As an at-risk population, several factors contribute to the trafficking of children. Although this study recognizes that poverty is a predisposing cause of child trafficking in Ghana, it goes beyond to explore the experiences of practitioners involved in child trafficking interventions on other structural patterns that contribute to child trafficking. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview guide and analyzed thematically following reflexive analysis procedures. Engaging 13 practitioners through qualitative interviews, the study identified the lack of knowledge on what constitutes trafficking on the part of legal guardians, and the involvement of political leaders and elites in the trafficking business as key factors increasing children’s susceptibility to trafficking. This study aids social service workers and those that advocate for human rights to upsurge awareness campaigns, especially in rural areas to educate people on what trafficking is, and the dangers involved. The study also suggests the expedient need for anti-trafficking coalitions in Ghana to advocate for judicial reforms that are not discriminatory to all persons, irrespective of status in government. The study suggests that further research with other agencies working in anti-child trafficking capacities is needed for generalization.

Keywords: trafficked children, political influence, child trafficking, uninformed, Ghana