Ending Child Labor Requires Stronger Enforcement and Support

Despite ongoing efforts by government officials and prominent members of society, the battle against child labor seems never-ending.

 According to The Head of United Nations’ labor body, somewhere last year, told BBC that the future of millions of children is at risk as growing numbers are pulled out of school and into work.

 Children as young as five years old roam the streets of Accra, shabbily dressed, interrupting the daily activities of citizens in haste, pleading for money, only to give it to their so-called caregivers or parents.

 Due to lack of modernization in some part of the country, children’s voices in rural areas are in the shadows. The rate at which child labor has dominated the rural areas is heartbreaking.

Despite the government’s efforts to introduce the schooling system in most rural areas, some parents or caregivers refuse to allow these children to enjoy their full fundamental human rights.

As a result, access to education remains a challenge for many children in these areas. Even when they gain access to formal education, many children in rural areas struggle to concentrate fully.

This global canker now needs to be addressed with extensive force. The Child Rights Act in Ghana which aims at safeguarding the rights and welfare of children in the country.

 Its purpose is to review, revise, and update laws pertaining to child rights, justice, and welfare in Ghana. The Act covers various aspects of children’s rights, including protection from exploitation, access to education, healthcare, and justice. It also outlines measures for promoting the holistic development and well-being of children in Ghana.

Although the Child Rights Act exist in Ghana, its effectiveness is questionable as no penalties are enforced against perpetrators of child labor. It is imperative that we advocate for the rights of these children. Parents and caregivers must assume full responsibility for their children or be subject to legal consequences. It is time to prioritize the protection and well-being of children and hold accountable those who exploit them.

Poverty, limited access to education, and weak support systems are key factors to child labor. To combat this, Ghana needs stronger efforts from the government, NGOs, and international partners. Only then can we truly protect and support the country’s vulnerable children.