Kuapa Kokoo intensifies child labour remediation action

The Kuapa Kokoo Farmers Union (KKFU) has intensified sensitization programmes on the elimination of child labour in cocoa.

Child labour issues continue to play out strong in the cocoa industry, most especially with the growing interest for certified cocoa beans on the international market.

In line with fair trade standards, the KKFU has been implementing a child labour programme to support the national programme to eliminate child labour on cocoa farms.

District leaders of the farmers' union attended a training session in Kumasi.

KKFU's Certification and Compliance Manager, Kwame Owusu, describes the farmers' response to the education as positive.

He says the district presidents and executives are better placed to propagate the message to the farmers “to let them know the effects of hazardous work or labour on children”.

According to him, the Union has established internal control systems, with child labour units, to identify problems in the communities for the purpose of remediation and withdrawal of children from hazardous activities.

Mr. Owusu says the farmers are also supported to venture other alternative livelihood activities to impact on the overall cocoa purchases of the company.

Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh/Luv Fm/Ghana