It formed part of their collaborative mission to engage and strengthen individuals, families and communities to end poverty by instilling hope through education, self-support assistance, and eradication of all modern forms of slavery.

Mr Ewusi said the psychological effects of child labour on victims are enormous adding that “sometimes it is extremely painful to look at scars at the back, thigh, forehead and stomach of some of the victims of exploitation”.

The practice, he said, remains a “silent nightmare” among victims as innocent children went through worst forms of torture, molestations and denial of education, food and shelter.

Mr Ewusi said the practice of engaging children for hazardous activities was a violation of their rights and illegal according to the Human Trafficking Act, 2005.