Security officials have rescued 45 children and young persons believed to be victims of human trafficking during an operation in the Volta Region.
The victims, made up of 23 girls and 22 boys between the ages of seven and 20, were intercepted while travelling on a Tata bus with registration number AS-804-14. Investigations suggest they were being transported from Ada, Sege and Ningo to communities in the Oti Region.
The operation was carried out by officers from the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) in collaboration with National Security.
Four adults who were travelling with the children were arrested and later handed over to the Ho Police for further investigations.
Although the suspects claimed they had only picked up the children as passengers, security officials said their explanations were inconsistent and would be investigated further.
The rescued children have since been placed in the care of the Department of Social Welfare.
Speaking to TV3’s Faisel Abdul-Iddrisu, Ho Municipal Department of Social Welfare official Wisdom Kojo Krakani said, “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 also appealed to the public to stay alert and report any suspicious movement of children to the police or other relevant authorities.
By: Prince Martey-Sogar