Labour Minister calls for united action to end child labour in Ghana

Ghana’s Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Hon. Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has issued a strong call to action for nationwide collaboration in eliminating child labour, describing it as a critical threat to the country’s development.

Delivering his address at a national event marking World Day Against Child Labour, held at the Kofi Annan ICT Centre in Ridge, Dr. Pelpuo painted a sobering picture of the issue’s scale. Drawing from the 2021 Population and Housing Census, he noted that nearly 2 million Ghanaian children—approximately 28 percent—are engaged in various forms of child labour, often in dangerous sectors like agriculture, fishing, domestic work, and the informal economy.

“Child labour is not just a statistic; it is a human tragedy that undermines our national progress,” the Minister stated. He acknowledged poverty as a key driver but emphasized that Ghana already possesses the legal and institutional frameworks necessary to confront the problem decisively.

Speaking under the global theme for 2025, “Progress is clear, but there is more to do. Let’s speed up,” Dr. Pelpuo outlined government strategies aimed at reversing the trend. These include implementing national action plans, bolstering law enforcement, expanding labour inspections, and ensuring stronger penalties for violations. He also stressed the need to improve access to quality education, which remains a powerful tool in preventing child labour.

Highlighting social protection efforts, Dr. Pelpuo pointed to programmes such as the Ghana School Feeding Programme, the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) initiative, and child-focused interventions by the Ghana Cocoa Board as key elements in reducing the economic pressures that drive child exploitation.

He further called for stronger partnerships with international organisations like the ILO and UNICEF, as well as deeper engagement with traditional leaders, civil society, families, and the private sector.

To intensify the national response, the Minister announced a series of public awareness campaigns targeting schools, communities, and media platforms to educate the public on the long-term dangers of child labour.

Dr. Pelpuo concluded with an emotional appeal to all stakeholders: “Let us build a Ghana where no child is forced to trade their future for labour. Every child deserves the right to learn, grow, and pursue their dreams."