This week, we focus our attention on the issue of child labour which has been an age-long phenomenon not only in Ghana but in many countries on the African continent and the world at large.
A survey by the Ghana Labour Force Standards indicates that 1,982,553 children aged between five and 17 years are engaged in child labour.
These children mostly work in dangerous and hazardous environments with little or no protection, exposing them to injuries, toxic substances, physical, psychological and emotional abuse. Some of the work they engage in include fishing, mining, farming, quarrying, carrying of heavy loads (Kayaye), working in places such as bars, hotels, and other places of entertainment where children may be exposed to immoral behaviours.
Child labour deprives children of their childhood, potential and dignity and is harmful to their physical, moral and mental development. It also exposes them to many dangers such as violence, abuse, exploitation, discrimination and rape.
The Catholic Standard agrees with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) that poverty is the greatest single cause behind child labour. Some children from poor families are abandoned thereby compelling them to fend for themselves. The unfortunate ones get into the hands of traffickers who get them to work in construction sites, on farms, or are used as domestic servants or house helps. Some of the victims are made to carry out very difficult and hazardous jobs thus exposing them to illnesses and physical injury.
If we are determined, as a country, to do away with child labour, then we have to give priority to Article three of ILO Convention No. 182 which among others, calls for the prevention of children from engaging in “work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm the health, safety or morals of children.
In many of our cities, there is hardly any street without child hawkers, selling different wares. Worse still, is the exodus of young children from the northern part of the country working as head porters in cities like Accra and Kumasi.
In some cases, children are forced to work many hours under difficult conditions in order to survive. Unfortunately, most of these children end up as criminals and prostitutes.
We have to bear in mind that the rights of the child to education and many other needs are not options for parents and Government but an obligation. It would be more costly in the future, if we ignore the challenges confronting us, than spending more time and resources now to build a healthy environment for children.
The Catholic Standard is therefore appealing for more commitment from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection; the Ministry of Justice; the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations to work collaboratively and to come up with comprehensive and implementable programmes that will truly protect Ghanaian children by addressing issues related to forced child labour in Ghana.
Other State Agencies and Civil Society Organisations could also increase education and raise awareness on the issue of children working below the legal age limit. Religious bodies also have a role to play in this regard, by using their platforms to educate their members on the negative effects of child labour.
We also call for stringent measures against those who are found to be involved in getting children to work against the laws of the land.
This Paper reminds the citizenry that every child is a gift from God, entitled to good education and better health and protection.
May we use the World Day Against Child Labour to draw more attention and support to address the plight of children compelled to indulge in work that is detrimental to their lives.
