11 arrested for allegedly trafficking 65 children

Eleven peeople were arrested by the Police in the Volta Region for allegedly trafficking 65 children on Monday, 22nd April.

The 11 persons, made up of nine men and two women, were said to have trafficked the children from Ningo in the Greater Accra region to Kpando Tokor, Abotoase and other fishing communities along the Volta Lake in the Volta Region.

The children, who were recruited from various households at Ningo, were squeezed into two Benz buses.

The children are usually used to undertake fishing, farming and other menial jobs.

Narrating the incident to DAILY GUIDE on Monday evening at the Ho Central Police Station, the Volta Regional Police Commander, DCOP Alex Bedie noted that they abused the rights of children, whose ages range from 4 to 20.

He said three men driving the two buses were first arrested while the remaining culprits were arrested when they arrived at the Police Station.

DCOP said on Monday dawn, the Police at the Have Barrier intercepted a Benz bus with registration number GT-9108 E.

The bus was being driven by one James Teye Mensah with Isaac Dzimajor as his mate.

The search revealed a large number of children, mostly underage, which raised suspicion.

During interrogation, another Benz Bus, with registration number GR 8321 Y, which was approaching the barrier, stopped upon seeing the other intercepted bus.

Albert Oman, who sensed danger, alighted the children.

The vehicle was also seized and the children were taken to the Regional Police headquarters by the Police.

They were later taken to the Central Police Station where the children were screened and culprits interrogated.

In the course of interrogation, some persons who were expecting the children, travelled to the police station.

In the process, six men and two women were also arrested.

The suspects included Eric Okumba, Francis Tetteh, Ahiatey Paani, Emmanuel Oto, James Akuaku and George Addo, Rose Adolo and Comfort Narteh.

DCOP Alex Bedie condemned the practice, saying it threatens the lives of the children.

The commander added that the parents would be escorted to their homes on Tuesday while the suspects would be conveyed to the Police in Ningo to continue the case.

DAILY GUIDE investigations also revealed that during vacations at Ningo and its environs, children are recruited and transported to areas along the Volta Lake.

According to one of the children, they usually get money for school and upkeep of their families.

The boy noted that he lost his friend who drowned in the lake.

He said that some of the older kids are transported to other African countries to undertake similar work.