Poverty and illiteracy blamed as causes of child trafficking

Sunyani April 1, GNA - Ms Leda Limann, of the Women's Assistance and Business Association (WABA), a Non-governmental organisation (NGO), on Thursday noted that poverty and illiteracy were the major causes of child trafficking.

"As a result of acute poverty, parents are tempted to sell their children for money whilst others hand over theirs to unknown persons thinking they are sending them to the cities to enjoy," she said.

Ms Limann, also a Lawyer, was speaking on "Violence Against Women and Children Trafficking", at the opening of a two-day training of trainers workshop in Sunyani.

It was organised by the Association for Women Leaders in Public life, an NGO, on the theme: " Democracy, Human Rights, Legal and Political Education" for 42 participants, comprising educationists, queen mothers, assembly members and representatives of NGOs. Ms Limann urged the general public to report cases of trafficking to the appropriate authorities.

""Any person with information about trafficking but fails to report commits an offence and is liable to a fine or a term of imprisonment not less than 12 months or both," she said.

Ms Gloria Ofori-Boadu, National President of the Association said it was established with the aim of promoting the legal, civic and economic empowerment of females, to impact positively on society.