The Programs Director at Challenging Heights, Enock Dery Pufaa, has urged the Ghanaian authorities to strengthen their child protection strategies in the fight against child labour.
Speaking at an event in Tamale marking this year’s World Day Against Child Labour, Mr. Dery emphasized the crucial connection between families’ financial security and the decrease in child labour incidents.
Mr Dery, emphasized that enhancing employment prospects and income-generating abilities for families would substantially lower children’s susceptibility to exploitative work practices.
He referenced research indicating that roughly 21% of children between five and seventeen years old are involved in child labour, with 14.2% engaged in dangerous forms.
During the event, Mr. Dery cited a study by Challenging Heights, which found that more than 60% of children residing in the Volta Lake region are involved in some type of child labour, predominantly in the fishing sector.
He called on all relevant parties to renew their commitment to eliminating child labour and advocated for a thorough, sustained approach to tackle this ongoing problem.
Also speaking at the event, the Head of the Anti-Child Trafficking Unit at the Northern Regional Headquarters of the Ghana Police Service, DSP William Ayariga, underscored the importance of the government bolstering current legislation and regulations concerning child labour.
“The government must lead by example. It is essential to fortify our laws and ensure they are effective in addressing child labour comprehensively”
Supporting these calls, the Paramount Chief of the Choggu Traditional Area, Naa Mahamadu Alhassan, highlighted the crucial part traditional leaders play in combating child labour. He reaffirmed their unwavering dedication to eliminating this practice within their jurisdictions.
“Child labour brings minimal gains. As chiefs, we will continue to fight against it until it is eradicated”
