Narrative Inquiry With Adolescent Survivors of Child Labour and Trafficking in Lake Volta

ABSTRACT Child labour and child trafficking on Lake Volta in Ghana exemplify the significant threats faced by children in inland fisheries and represent a concern in child protection. National statistics indicate that more than one‐quarter of Ghanaian children aged 5–17 are engaged in work, including hazardous activities such as fishing. This paper examines the life histories of adolescents who experienced exploitative or trafficking conditions on Lake Volta. Narrative biographical interviews were conducted with 13 child survivors and 2 senior NGO officials. The analysis was organized primarily within an ecological framework and interpreted through child‐centred, rights‐based and political‐economy lenses, using within‐case narrative analysis and cross‐case thematic analysis. Four main themes emerged: pathways to labour driven by poverty, family issues and recruiters; life in the lake marked by danger, violence and limited options; rescue and rehabilitation characterized by ‘conditional freedom’ removal from danger but ongoing dependence, uncertain reintegration, disrupted education and fragile futures; and future prospects focused on education and jobs, but hindered by trauma, disruptions, limited options and uncertain support.