By Iddi Yire
Accra, May 30, GNA – Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, the Minister for Labour, Job Creation, and Employment, has reaffirmed Ghana’s dedication to eradicating the problem of child labor.
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the term “Child Labour” is defined as work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, and that is harmful to physical and mental development.
Addressing attendees at the national launch and colloquium for the 2025 World Day Against Child Labour in Accra, Dr. Pelpuo stated that child labor remains among the most significant development issues facing the country, affecting roughly two million children, which equates to about 28 percent of them.
He stated that this estimation was based on the data from the 2021 National Population and Housing Census conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service.
The Minister expressed greater concern over the fact that numerous children were engaged in risky areas, particularly agriculture, fishing, domestic service, and the formal sector.
Nevertheless, he stated that the government, via the Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment, demonstrated significant willingness and dedication towards eliminating child labor.
Since taking office as the sector minister, he has personally committed himself to implementing strict, outcome-focused policies and programs aimed at consolidating the successes achieved by previous administrations in eradicating child labor.
He expressed his dismay over the fact that even 60 years following their independence, people still link the issue of child labor liberation to poverty. He stated, “It is unfortunate indeed, and we should exert every effort possible to alter this perspective for the greater good.”
As a nation, he stated that they possessed all the necessary laws, policies, and programs to effectively address this issue. However, at this crucial juncture, what was needed were tangible actions and resolutions to combat this persistent problem that has persisted for over ten years.
He mentioned that this was why he thought about the theme for this year’s suggestion. He stated that Ghana’s initiatives to eradicate child labor indicated evident advancement; however, much remained to be done, emphasizing the urgency to accelerate their pace.
He mentioned that the theme for this year’s celebration serves as a strong summons, urging all parties involved to contemplate their progress while facing the stark truth that millions of children globally, including those within their own communities, endure exploitative labor conditions.
“As stakeholders, we cannot remain indifferent as children continue to face challenges in their childhood, education, and aspirations,” Dr. Pelpuo stated.
“Today, we gather not merely to commemorate the day, but also to commit ourselves to transforming this vision into reality.”
He observed that over the past few years, governments have made significant progress in eradicating child labor, fueled by an unwavering dedication to fairness and human worth.
Through legislative changes, policy implementations, and collaborative alliances, they have achieved considerable progress in stabilizing the circumstances.
Dr. Pelpuo stated that several measures taken to address this issue were well-founded, highlighting as crucial steps the creation and execution of a nationwide action plan aimed at eradicating child labor.
Other initiatives include social programs like the Cocoa Enhancement Program, Ghana Cocoa Board Child Education Scholarship Scheme, the Ghana School Feeding Initiative, Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), and financial grants aimed at bolstering disadvantaged families.
He emphasized the government’s dedication to making sure child labor plays no role in the production of cocoa.
“Therefore, avoiding child labor is a crucial part of our pledge since both the global community and we ourselves are keeping close watch,” he stated.
We must safeguard our children’s future. We need to protect their dreams and ensure we support their goals of growing into productive members of society.
Mrs. Peninnah Adjoa Akuffo, the Assistant Manager for Membership Services at the Ghana Employers’ Association (GEA), highlighted during an acknowledgment speech about the significant contribution employers make towards eliminating child labor in the nation. She emphasized that the association continues to uphold high ethical standards among its members and fosters environments free from child labor via collaborative efforts, public education, skill development, and active campaigning.
She stated that the GEA will keep advocating for policies that promote fair working conditions in every sector, asserting that “the well-being of our offspring relies on this.”
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
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