The Gospel of Justice Conference in Yeji 2025
In September 2025, the town of Yeji became a beacon of hope as 256 participants; chiefs, queen mothers, boat masters, pastors, mothers, government representatives, and international partners gathered for the Gospel of Justice Conference.
Organized by GlobeServe Ministries International in partnership with Westwood Community Church (USA), this year’s conference marked the largest gathering yet in Yeji’s history of justice initiatives. Together, we lifted our voices for children who are too often silenced by exploitation, trafficking, and forced labor along the Volta Lake.
The Cry of the Children
Every morning across the Volta Lake, a silent cry rises. It is the cry of children (some as young as five) who are forced to dive deep into dangerous waters, row heavy boats, and untangle fishing nets.
Rev. Dr. Samuel A.K. Dunya, Founder of GlobeServe Ministries, gave voice to their plight:
“Across the waters of Volta Lake, a silent cry rises each morning. It is the cry of children (some as young as six) whose hands are calloused from nets, whose backs are bent from paddling, and whose dreams are drowned beneath the weight of exploitation. These are not just statistics. They are sons and daughters of Ghana. They are the future of Yeji. And they are entrusted to us by God.”
These realities are not far away, they are happening here in Ghana.
160 million children worldwide are in child labor (ILO, 2021).
In Ghana, thousands of children are trapped in the fishing industry (Human Rights Watch, 2015).
Over 30% of rural children face stunting due to malnutrition (GSS, 2021).
God’s Heart for Justice
The conference theme, “The Gospel of Justice and the Future of Our Children”, reminded participants that justice is not optional, it is a divine mandate.
Rev. Dunya preached with urgency:
“Our children are not tools for fishing—they are treasures for the future. To use children for labor is not only against the law of Ghana—it is against the law of God. When we enslave children, we wound the heart of God. But when we protect them, we partner with God’s mission.”
He grounded the message in Scripture:
Isaiah 1:17: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless.”
Micah 6:8: “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
A Message to the Heart of Yeji
Rev. Dunya did not shy away from addressing specific groups:
To the Boat Masters
“Fishing has sustained our people for generations. But if the hands that row your boats are the small hands of children, then the price is too high. If your profit comes at the expense of their blood and tears, then the gain is too small. Release these children not because the law forces you, but because God’s love compels you.”
To the Mothers and Wives
“You are the heartbeat of the home. You hear the cries no one else hears. Proverbs 31:8–9 tells us: ‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.’ Protect the little ones as if they were your own. You are not powerless—you are partners in justice.”
To the Chiefs and Queen Mothers
“Nananom, you are the custodians of our culture, our land, and our people. Without your leadership, no change will last. History will remember whether your stool protected or neglected the children of your land. Let your legacy be liberation
To the Pastors and Church Leaders
“We cannot preach salvation on Sunday and close our eyes to injustice on Monday. If our churches are full while our children are enslaved, then we have missed the heart of God. The gospel is both salvation and justice for the oppressed.
Transforming Communities: Outreach & Training
Justice Outreach
Earlier in July, our team visited five fishing communities near Makango; Obiarabannye, Afienya-Kura, Sokpe, Sodja-Kura, and TT-Kura.
Through love in action, we provided:
444 mosquito nets
386 adult deworming treatments
305 children deworming treatments
400 toothbrushes & toothpaste
20 sacks of clothing
For many, this was the first tangible sign that God’s people see them, love them, and care.
Entrepreneurial Training for Women
Poverty drives trafficking. That’s why GlobeServe equips women—the backbone of these fishing communities.
This year, 50 boat masters’ wives learned to make soap, antiseptic, pomade, ointments, and pastries. Each woman received start-up materials to begin her small business.
Over the past four years:
180 women have been trained
142 have received start-up kits
Communities are now seeing mothers build income that keeps their children in school instead of on the lake.
Rev. Dunya reminded them:
“These skills are not just for your pockets – they are for your children’s future. When mothers thrive, children are freed.”
Voices That Cannot Be Ignored
One GlobeServe overseer shared his personal story of being trafficked as a child:
“I was forced to fish when I could not even swim. I lost a finger in the nets, a scar I live with every day. No child should go through this.”
Breakout sessions gave space for honest dialogue:
Mothers admitted poverty often forces them to release children but called for sustainable alternatives.
Fathers pledged to take greater responsibility.
Church leaders vowed to integrate justice preaching into sermons.
Social welfare officials encouraged vigilance and reporting.
A Turning Point for Yeji
The Yeji conference was historic:
256 participants (highest attendance ever).
Chiefs and traditional rulers publicly committed to protect children.
Boat masters acknowledged the need for change.
Donors and partners stood side by side with local communities.
The slogan echoed across the hall:
“If you see something, say something!”
Donors: You Made This Possible
To our partners and donors—this is your impact. Because of you:
Children received healthcare and protection.
Women gained skills and start-up support.
Communities heard the Gospel of Justice.
Chiefs and leaders made public commitments to protect children.
Rev. Dunya reminded everyone that this movement is global, yet deeply personal:
“If we save the children, we save Ghana. If we protect the children, God will protect our land. Together, we can make history in Yeji.”
A Call to Continue
Closing Words
As Rev. Dunya prayed at the conference:
“Lord, break the chains of injustice. Heal the wounds of exploitation. Let the Gospel of Justice ring loud and clear across Yeji. May this be the turning point.”