Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

1. Trokosi system of ritual servitude. In its earlier comments, the Committee requested information on measures taken against the illegal exaction of forced or compulsory labour, in particular as regards the trokosi system practiced in some parts of the Volta region, where young girls of about 10 years of age are pledged into perpetual bondage to serve fetish shrines in atonement of offences allegedly committed by their relatives. It notes the information on the efforts undertaken by the Government in order to eradicate trokosi practices and to liberate and rehabilitate the victims, provided by the Government in its report. The Government indicates that, despite the action taken, the practice of trokosi still continues in a few shrines in the Volta region and in the Greater Accra region.

The Committee recalls that Ghana has ratified the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182). In so far as Article 3(a) of Convention No. 182 provides that the worst forms of child labour include "all forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as the sale and trafficking of children, debt bondage and serfdom and forced or compulsory labour", the Committee is of the view that the above problem may be examined more specifically under Convention No. 182. The protection of children is enhanced by the fact that Convention No. 182 requires States which ratify it to take immediate and effective measures to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency. The Committee accordingly asks the Government to refer in this connection to its comments on the application of Convention No. 182.

2. The Committee notes with interest that a Human Trafficking Act has been adopted by Parliament on 28 July 2005. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on its application in practice, indicating any proceedings which might have been instituted as a consequence of violation of its provisions and the penalties imposed on perpetrators. Please describe any other measures taken or contemplated to combat trafficking in persons for the purpose of exploitation. Please also continue to supply copies of the annual reports of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).