Sampson is a 12-year-old boy who was recently rescued from child labour on Lake Volta. His early life was marked by instability and separation. Shortly after his birth, his parents separated, and he lost contact with his father. After spending some time with his mother, Sampson and his elder sister were sent to live with their uncle, a fisherman in Abuta, while their mother returned to her hometown. From that point on, Sampson never saw his mother again.
Life with his uncle was difficult. Sampson and his sister lived in a mud house, sleeping on a mat in a room with weak walls and a leaking roof, which became especially challenging during the rainy season. The environment exposed him to numerous health risks, including mosquito infestations and poor sanitation. The community lacked access to safe water, forcing residents to rely on unclean sources, while open defecation was common. Frequent violence in the area further affected his sense of safety and wellbeing.
Sampson was never enrolled in school. Instead, he was made to work on the lake, assisting his uncle with fishing activities such as paddling, casting and pulling nets, scooping water from the canoe, mending nets, sorting, and selling fish. Despite his heavy workload, his basic needs were often neglected. He received little support for clothing or personal care and sometimes worked for other fishermen to earn money to buy clothes and footwear for himself. In addition to fishing, he carried out domestic chores and supported his sister and his uncle’s wife with household duties and fish processing.
Food was inconsistent, and there were times he went to bed hungry due to financial difficulties in the household. Access to healthcare was limited, with treatment often relying on herbal remedies or over-the-counter medication, and hospital visits only in severe cases. Sampson also endured physical and verbal abuse, both at home and on the lake, often being beaten for not working fast enough or for minor mistakes.
Despite these challenges, he occasionally found moments of relief through interactions with peers and attending activities at the Church of Pentecost.
Given the severity of his circumstances, Sampson required urgent protection and intervention. Following thorough investigations and assessments, he was successfully rescued and is currently receiving care and rehabilitation at the Challenging Heights Recovery Centre, where he is now safe.
Today, Sampson is beginning a new chapter. At the Recovery Centre, he has access to education, care, and a safe environment where he can heal and rediscover his childhood. With the right support, he now has the opportunity to build a brighter future, one filled with hope, dignity, and the chance to dream again.
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