Police Intercept and Rescues 29 Minors

02-08-2011
The Upper East Regional Police Command has noted with concern the perpetual migration of the youth down south despite persistent warnings. The police to this effect have instituted positive control measures to halt the menace since most schools are on vacation. The Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector, Thomas Agbenyo who disclosed this to Radio Ghana in Bolgatanga, asked the youth particularly those on vacation to desist from travelling to the south to do menial jobs since those caught would be dealt with according to laid down regulations. Chief Inspector Agbenyo disclosed that the police through its intensified effort, last week intercepted and rescued 29 minors on board a Kumasi bound passenger bus with registration number GW 4643-Q. They were between the ages of 9 and 15. Upon interrogation, most of the minors who reside in areas like Pelungu and Sakote in the Talensi-Nabdam District, confirmed that they were going to seek holiday jobs in Kumasi so as to help them settle their school fess and as well buy some school items for themselves. The Regional Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Ghana Police Service took custody of the children and has since dispatched them to their various homes to reunite with their families. It could be recalled that last year similar incident took place and the police and for that matter the Anti Human Trafficking body did their best to stop the children by rescuing them and uniting them to their families. An emergency meeting to that effect was convened between the security agencies, the Regional Coordinating Council and the various Transport Unions to brainstorm on the way forward in addressing the situation. According to Chief Inspector Agbenyo, though the meeting came out with some recommendations, parents and drivers especially have continued to flout warnings issued to them with impunity. This, he noted, is regrettable and warn drivers to desist from picking those minors to the south unaccompanied by their parents or any elderly person. The police, he indicated would impound vehicles when caught with minors on board, stating that they are red-alert to check all vehicles and apply the necessary sanctions.
GBC END IA/