Madina Police to arrest traders engaging children in “Kayayei” work
The Madina Divisional Police Command has announced plans to step up enforcement of laws prohibiting child labour and human trafficking at the Madina Market.
The Command said traders and other individuals found employing or engaging children, particularly those of school-going age, in activities such as head-portering, commonly known as “kayayei”, will be arrested.
Speaking to Citi News, Madina Divisional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Dr Sarah Aba-Afari, warned that anyone who recruits or employs children in their businesses will face legal action.
She explained that the intensified enforcement is aimed at protecting children from exploitation and ensuring that school-age children remain in school instead of engaging in activities that interfere with their education.
Dr Aba-Afari stressed that human trafficking is a serious criminal offence in Ghana and urged market operators to stop recruiting children from northern and other vulnerable communities for labour.
She described human trafficking as a form of modern-day slavery that deprives victims of their rights and freedoms, emphasising that children must be protected and kept in school.
The Police Commander said the law had previously been enforced at the market but warned that officers would now adopt a stricter approach against those who violate the regulations.
She urged traders and other market operators to refrain from employing children and cautioned that anyone found recruiting or engaging them in labour would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The Police Command said the increased enforcement is part of broader efforts to protect children from exploitation and tackle human trafficking in the Madina Market and surrounding communities.
Source: Citinews
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