45 Children Suspected of Being Trafficked Intercepted by NIB and National Security in Volta Region

Security personnels in the Volta Region have intercepted 45 children and young persons suspected to be victims of human trafficking.

The group comprises 23 girls and 22 boys, aged between seven (7) and twenty (20) years.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the children were being transported from the Ada, Sege and Ningo areas to parts of the Oti Region when the vehicle conveying them was intercepted.

The children were reportedly travelling on a Tata bus with registration number AS-804-14.

The operation was conducted by officers of the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) in collaboration with National Security.

According to sources within the NIB, the individuals accompanying the children claimed they had simply picked them up as passengers. However, officials said the accounts provided were incoherent and would require further investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the children’s movement.

The 45 children have since been handed over to the Department of Social Welfare for protection and further assessment.

Wisdom Kojo Krakani, an official of the Ho Municipal Department of Social Welfare, said that the department would work with relevant agencies to trace and reunite the children with their families where appropriate.

“Per the standard operating procedures, social welfare is mandated to take custody of children in this situation and that is what we are here to do,” he said.

Mr Krakani also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement or transportation of children to the police or other relevant authorities.

Authorities are expected to continue investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether the children were being trafficked.