THE CHALLENGES OF IDENTIFYING TRAFFICKED CHILDREN: THE EXPERIENCES OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN THE GHANAIAN FISHING INDUSTRY

Abstract

This thesis uses the Ecological Systems Theory and Qualitative Research methods to explore the identification of child trafficking for labour in the Ghanaian Fishing Industry by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The thesis also examines the multiple perceptions of child trafficking through NGOs' perspectives to reveal how NGOs manoeuvre between the internationally influenced legal concept of child trafficking and local Ghanaian perceptions. The study finds that NGOs' identification strategies are fairly holistic because they contain poverty reduction programs to address some structural causes of child trafficking and expand exploitations that constitute child trafficking to avoid confusion between the phenomenon and cultural practices. To make identification strategies more holistic, NGOs must accommodate more agency from trafficked children and support the improvement of local government systems. Poverty reduction strategies must be well-coordinated with other programs to focus on all vulnerable communities. International funding and protocols must support community-based initiatives and perceptions.