Offinso North Social Welfare officer calls for stronger action against child labour

The Social Welfare and Community Development Officer for Offinso North, Gideon Osei Poku, has called on the government and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to identify, protect and rehabilitate children engaged in child labour across the country.

He said child labour continues to deny many children their rights to education, protection, development and a safe childhood, making it one of the most pressing child rights challenges in the Offinso North District and Ghana as a whole.

Mr Osei Poku made the call at Afrancho during the commemoration of this year's World Day Against Child Labour, which was observed under the theme, “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults.”

He noted that thousands of children in the district remain involved in child labour, often under hazardous conditions in sectors such as agriculture, domestic work and the informal economy.

“Child labour remains one of the most pressing developmental challenges confronting our district,” he stated.

While acknowledging poverty as a major driver of the problem, Mr Osei Poku stressed that Ghana already has the laws, policies and programmes needed to address child labour. He indicated that what is required is stronger implementation, greater commitment and improved coordination among stakeholders.

He explained that child labour is not only a social and economic challenge but also a serious violation of children's rights as enshrined in both Ghanaian and international laws.

The Social Welfare Officer further emphasised that efforts to eliminate child labour must focus on addressing the underlying factors that force children into work, including poverty, inequality, inadequate social protection and limited access to quality education.

According to him, every child withdrawn from labour and returned to school represents a restored childhood and a brighter future.

He therefore urged all stakeholders to renew their commitment to ending child labour in all its forms and to work collectively to safeguard the welfare and future of children in the district.