“In our experience, protecting children around the world, we have learned that justice is not simply served through the rescue and restoration of children. It must also include the prosecution of the criminals,” it argued.

A statement signed by its Director of Legal, Ama Amankwah, in commemoration of World Day Against Child Labour, said prosecution was central to the healing process for rescued children.

It said the move would send a message to the children that the government does not just want to rescue them but wanted to make sure that the victims and other children were not subjected to such ill-treatment again.

“When criminals are held accountable, victims know safety and self-worth like never before. Indeed, entire communities are made safer and stronger when children are protected from violence.

The future of Ghana lies with her children. Only when the government enforces its laws and holds criminals accountable will self-worth truly be restored to victims of child labour,” the statement said.

It, however, commended government’s efforts to bring justice to the tragedy of child labour on the Volta Lake, adding that a child’s worth is restored when justice is served against those who criminally exploit them.

The statement said the intervention of the Ghana Police Service (GPS) and Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) and its partners could reverse their enslavement, lack of self-worth and put them on the path to holistic growth physically, socially and mentally.