Accra: At six years old, Wisdom Tetteh Dortumo did not understand what trafficking meant; he only knew that while his brothers and sisters went to school, he was being taken away from home. His father's senior brother had visited his parents at Anyaman in the Ada West District of the Greater Accra Region and told them he would take Wisdom to work on the river at Accra Town, a village near Yeji in the Bono Region.
According to Ghana News Agency, the promise was that he would work and eventually be sent to school. His parents, who could not afford his education, agreed. Wisdom recalls the visit that led to his departure, unaware of the 15 years of hard labor, hunger, fear, and abuse that awaited him on the river. Today, Wisdom is a survivor of child trafficking, and his story sheds light on how poverty, deception, and vulnerability can rob a child of childhood and future opportunities.
"We leave for work and spend more than 12 hours on the river with no food or water," Wisdom recounted, adding that sometimes they had to drink river water despite its condition. Punishment for missing early morning fishing trips was harsh, often involving being doused with cold water. His tasks included dangerous dives to untangle fishing nets, risking injury and death. An accident with an underwater tree left him injured, but he received no medical treatment.
Wisdom's experience is not unique. Many children in fishing and coastal communities are lured by promises of education or a better life, only to find themselves exploited. "They told us they were building houses for us," Wisdom said, but it was a lie. While others attended school, Wisdom worked, shattering his dream of becoming a doctor.
He eventually escaped, returned home, and started school from Primary One. Despite financial challenges, he completed junior high school. Support from civil society organizations, including the International Justice Mission (IJM), has enabled him to train in tailoring. Now, he advocates against child trafficking, warning others of deceptive promises.
Wisdom's journey highlights the ongoing trauma survivors face. At a workshop organized by IJM, experts discussed how trauma affects memory, emphasizing the need for empathy when dealing with victims. Deceptive recruitment remains a common path into trafficking, especially among vulnerable children, according to IJM. Many victims, like Wisdom, are lured by false promises of better opportunities.
Child labor and trafficking are distinct but interconnected issues. Data from the Ada East District shows numerous cases of children engaged in hazardous work, reflecting a broader problem. Poverty is a significant driver, leading families to accept offers from traffickers. Experts urge families to seek help rather than send children away.
Stakeholders, including journalists, have a role in combating trafficking. Accurate, empathetic reporting can raise awareness and prompt action. However, rescue is just the beginning. Survivors need comprehensive support to rebuild their lives. Wisdom's story underscores this, as he continues to rebuild, hoping to prevent others from experiencing his fate.
ing child trafficking requires collective action against poverty, deception, and harmful social practices. Every effort to protect children and support survivors is a step toward breaking the cycle of exploitation. Wisdom's shattered dream of becoming a doctor is a reminder of the cost of trafficking, but his resolve to help others remains strong.