Madina Police launch intensified campaign against child labour and trafficking at market

The Madina Divisional Police Command has intensified its enforcement operations against child labour and human trafficking at Madina Market, with police leadership warning that traders who exploit school-going children in commercial activities will face arrest and prosecution.

The renewed operation will focus particularly on eliminating the practice of child head-portering, commonly referred to as kayayei, where children carry goods for traders. The initiative aims to protect vulnerable young people from exploitation and ensure they remain in school rather than working in the market.

Madina Divisional Police Commander Chief Superintendent Dr Sarah Aba-Afari announced the intensified crackdown, emphasising that the police will strictly enforce relevant laws against individuals who recruit children for market work. She noted that many of these children are brought from northern Ghana and other vulnerable communities, making them particularly susceptible to exploitation.

The scale of the problem

Child labour in Ghanaian markets remains a significant challenge, with many children withdrawn from school to work as porters, vendors or assistants. The practice disproportionately affects children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and those from rural areas seeking opportunities in urban centres. These children often work long hours in difficult conditions whilst earning minimal wages, hindering their educational development and limiting their future prospects.

Dr Aba-Afari characterised human trafficking and child labour as forms of modern-day slavery that strip victims of fundamental rights and freedoms. She stressed that protecting Ghanaian children from such exploitation is a collective responsibility that requires cooperation from market operators, parents and the broader community.

Why it matters for Ghana

Child labour remains a persistent issue in Ghana, with thousands of children engaged in informal sector work instead of attending school. This undermines Ghana's progress towards universal education and perpetuates cycles of poverty. By targeting enforcement at major commercial hubs like Madina Market, the police are addressing a visible manifestation of this problem and sending a clear message that exploitation will not be tolerated.

The operation also aligns with Ghana's obligations under international conventions on children's rights and human trafficking. Strong enforcement at market level demonstrates commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and upholding child welfare standards. When children are removed from exploitative work environments and returned to school, they gain opportunities for skills development and improved livelihoods as adults, benefiting both families and the national economy.

Police strategy and next steps

Dr Aba-Afari indicated that whilst the police have previously enforced laws against child labour and trafficking, this operation represents a more rigorous and sustained effort. She called on market operators to cease engaging minors in their businesses and warned of strict consequences for non-compliance.

The Madina Divisional Police Command has framed this enforcement as part of broader safeguarding efforts within the Madina Market and surrounding communities. The police encourage the public to report suspected cases of child exploitation and human trafficking to relevant authorities.

Community stakeholders, including market associations, parents and civil society organisations, are expected to play complementary roles in identifying at-risk children and supporting their return to education or vocational training programmes.