The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Hon. Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has passionately urged increased national initiatives to eradicate child labor in Ghana.
At the national launch and colloquium marking World Day Against Child Labour, hosted at the Kofi Annan ICT Centre in Ridge, the Minister addressed the audience about the daunting magnitude of this issue and called upon all parties involved to reaffirm their dedication.
Citing the 2021 National Population and Housing Census, Dr. Pelpuo disclosed that around 2 million Ghanaian children, which accounts for 28 percent, are involved in child labor. These minors frequently work in dangerous fields like farming, fishing, household chores, and unregulated jobs.
“Child labor continues to be one of the foremost developmental issues facing our country,” the minister emphasized, noting that although poverty is a fundamental cause, Ghana already possesses the necessary laws, policies, and programs to address this problem.
Following this year’s worldwide theme, “Progress is evident, yet there remains much work ahead. Let’s accelerate,” Dr. Pelpuo highlighted essential measures: executing national action strategies, reinforcing legal compliance, increasing inspection efforts and penalties, and enhancing access to high-quality education.
He highlighted crucial social welfare programs such as the Cocoa Enhancement Program, the Ghana Cocoa Board’s Educational Assistance Initiative for Children, the National School Feeding Program, and the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty program. These efforts are designed to disrupt the cycle of poverty that drives child labor.
Dr. Pelpuo stressed that reaching the worldwide objective of eradicating child labor by 2030 necessitates enhanced collaborations with organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF, along with proactive cooperation with customary authorities, societal groups, families, businesses, and neighborhood residents.
The Minister unveiled strategies for enhanced national initiatives employing various channels such as mass media, educational institutions, local gatherings, and online spaces to increase public understanding about the detrimental impacts of child labor.
He commended the resilience shown by the impacted children and families and urged stakeholders from every sector to take decisive action. “Collectively, we can create a Ghana where no child is compelled to work but instead has the opportunity to learn, develop, and aspire,” remarked Dr. Pelpuo.
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