Traditional authorities and parents have been urged to help put an end to child trafficking and slavery in Ghana in order to save children, especially in coastal areas, from traumatic life experiences.

The General Overseer of Globeserve Ministries International, Rev. Sam Dunya made the appeal during the annual Justice Conference held in Adidome in the Central Tongu District of the Volta Region.

He noted that child trafficking and slavery have been on a steady rise in the country, putting the lives of innocent children who are the future leaders of the country at high risk.

Rev. Sam said the Justice Conference serves as a platform to speak to the stakeholders, traditional leaders, and parents on the urgent need to help take adequate care of their children against any kind of exploitation.

He urged traditional authorities to use their influence to champion the fight against child labor noting that traditional leaders and parents are important stakeholders on the issues of child labor and trafficking and so must be much interested in making sure that children are saved from the menace.

Globeserve Ministries International under the direction of Rev. Dunya has taken on the issue of child slavery and trafficking through a Christian lens and works toward redeeming children out of slavery and trafficking.

Rev. Dunya appealed to religious leaders also to use their positions to educate their members on the rights of children and the need to end all forms of child labour, especially during their outreach programmes in the communities.

The Guest Speaker for the occasion, Apostle Emmanuel Nii Okuley Tettey, who spoke on the theme; "God's heart for social justice; the role of the church" noted that the concept of justice, in its broadest sense, requires that people – whether groups or individuals – are treated in a manner that is equitable, fair and predictable.

He said that the achievement of justice also implies that people receive that which they deserve in and from society.

Apostle Tetteh said for children to be treated fairly and justly in society, it behoves on parents and other stakeholders to fight child trafficking and slavery, and demonstrate to children the love of God.

Former MP for Ho, Captain Rtd. George Nfodjoh who chaired the programme admonished parents, especially in the coastal communities to invest in the education and welfare of their children for a better future.

Divisional Chief of Toh/ Tovie Clan of Adidome, Torgbega Kwasinyi Kakaklolo Agyemang V, noted that it is a shame that Ghana still has child slavery and trafficking especially in the 21st century.

He said whatever work that prevents any child from accessing quality education is child labour and victims are at greater risk of health-related issues, with some suffering from depression, anxiety, and cultivating deviant habits such as smoking and drug abuse.

He urged the authorities to set up a foundation to help victims of child trafficking and slavery and its related issues. He, meanwhile, pledged his commitment to helping end the menace especially in the Tongu districts.