The World Day Against Child Labour was first launched by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2002. The day is observed on June 12th every year to draw attention to child labour in society and attract support in the fight against the menance. The National Programme for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour in Cocoa (NPECLC) celebrates the day alongside other partners. The theme for the celebration was, “Warning! Children in Hazardous Work, End Child Labour”.
This year, NPECLC hosted a Regional celebration in Ahukwa, Sefwi Wiawso District in the Western Region. The Western Region was chosen because it is the highest cocoa producing region and has high prevalence of child labour.
The event brought together varied stakeholders such as the District Child Protection Committee (DCPC) and Community Child Protection Committee (CCPC) members, traditional rulers, law enforcement officers (police), school children, community members and religious leaders. Also present at the celebration were representatives of COCOBOD, Winrock International, World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), Metropolitan/Municipal/District Assemblies (MMDAs), Ministries Departments & Agencies (MDAs), Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs).
A total number of eight hundred and fifty (850) people participated in the celebration which began with a float through Ahukwa community. During the float, there were placards that had inscriptions like “Parents, do not shirk your responsibilities”, “Parents, educate your children”, “Children are our future leaders”, “Awofo Ngyae Mbofra Edzuma Dzin”, Stop Child Labour” on placards.
Several speeches were delivered amongst which the chief of Ahukwa indicated that the child labour programme had brought tremendous improvement in the lives of his people since 2008 when the programme was introduced in the community. He urged all of the community members present to pay particular attention to what the speakers had to say with regards to eliminating Child Labour. He further pledged the commitment of the chiefs and elders in combating child labour.
The day was graced with awards to excelling Districts in the fight against Child Labour. Juabeso and Asutifi Districts were awarded Yahama motorbikes and Four (4) focal persons from Asante Akim North, Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira, Sefwi Wiawso and Asutifi were each awarded with a Mountain bicycle.
It is necessary to note that the NPECLC is looking forward to partner with institutions to advocate and develop basic devices to reduce the use of children as labour sources.