The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, in collaboration with the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, together with the National Steering Committee on Child Labour, has launched Phase II of the National Plan of Action (NPA2), to fight against child labour in the country.
Phase II of the National Plan of Action, was developed by the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, and the National Steering Committee on Child Labour in consultation with key stakeholders in the fight against child labour, based on recommendations from the review of NPA1, and the recent Child Labour Report conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).
The NPA2 is expected to build on the gains made after the implementation of the NPA1 from 2009 – 2015, with the view of utilizing the good practices and lessons learned to address the challenges of child labour more efficiently and in a sustainable manner.
Addressing a gathering at a ceremony held at Okonam, a cocoa community in the Suhum Municipality of the Eastern Region, Gender Minister, Otiko Afisa Djaba, called on parents to help bring an end to crimes committed against children.
“At 61 years, Ghana has come too far to still be engaged in child labour. Let us as a nation take advantage of the social policies available to keep our children in school and away from harmful practices”.
“If today, I am a minister, it is because even though my parents had 22 children, they thought it wise for me to be in school so protect your children from child labour and they will also make you proud. When we put in place the right framework to protect our children, we ensure that their future is secured”.
The Minister added that, “let us end child labour now and all it entails, the government has prioritized child labour because it is committed to eliminating it, so let us all get involved to kick child labour out of Ghana because it is the responsibility of every Ghanaian to join in the fight against child labour.”
On his part, the Eastern Regional Minister, Eric Kwakye Darfour, also advised stakeholders to address other issues hindering the quest to end child labour in the country.
“I wish to indicate that to kick-start the programme, we must begin to strengthen national child protection systems, address poverty and inequality in the society, provide early access of basic services such as schools and hospitals, especially in the rural setting, change the cultural acceptance of child labour in our communities, provide decent work for the youth and educate parents on the adverse effects of child labour. These and many other interventions and initiatives will significantly work together to address the high levels of child labour in the country.”
The Action Plan also gives attention to the need to mobilize more resources, focus actions on local communities, and strengthen educational outcomes so that children are enrolled and retained in school.
It includes interventions to sensitize the general public, build capacities of partners to tackle all worst forms of child labour, ensure effective provision and monitoring of social services and economic empowerment programmes, and also promote community empowerment and sustainable action against child labour in mining, fishing, agriculture, domestic service, child trafficking, ritual servitude, streetism and begging among others.
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By: Neil Nii Amatey Kanarku/citinewsroom.com/Ghana