Abesim: Stakeholders in the cocoa sector have called for concerted efforts to stem the disturbing reality of the use of children for exploitative labour in cocoa growing communities in the country. The stakeholders, including representatives of the Ghana Cocobod, farmer cooperatives, Ghana Education Service (GES), and civil society organisations, gathered at the launch of the 'Rights4Cocoa: Protecting children's rights in Ghana's cocoa sector' project, held at Abesim, near Sunyani.
According to Ghana News Agency, the rising trend of child labour in the country's cocoa sector has been acknowledged by the stakeholders, who expressed regret that many school-age children are being exploited for hazardous work instead of attending school. The Global Media Foundation (GloMeF), supported by the Unifor Social Justice Fund, Canada, is spearheading the two-year project aimed at addressing this issue.
Mr. Raphael Godlove Ahenu, founder and CEO of GloMeF, emphasized the need for collective action to ensure the cocoa industry does not compromise the future of children. He highlighted the disturbing reality that thousands of children are engaged in hazardous labour, deprived of education, and stripped of their childhood, urging immediate change.
To tackle the issue, there is a need to strengthen the enforcement of child protection laws and policies, empower cocoa-growing communities with education and alternative livelihoods, hold companies accountable to ethical sourcing practices, and raise awareness about the long-term consequences of child labour. Mr. Ahenu also praised the Unifor Social Justice for their support and dedication to social justice and human rights.
Mr. Benjamin Quarson, the Deputy Bono Regional Director of Education, stressed the importance of collective approaches involving community and opinion leaders, parents, civil society, and other stakeholders. He acknowledged the daunting task ahead but expressed confidence that with decisive and pragmatic measures, the nation can tackle child labour and achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG four).
Some cocoa farmers voiced concerns about the lack of accessible schools in many cocoa-growing communities, which contributes to the issue. They called on the government to expand educational facilities and bring schools closer to local communities.
Mr. Edward Ayabilah, Programme Manager of GloMeF, explained that the project will collaborate with civil society, traditional authorities, the private sector, and international partners to build a sustainable cocoa industry respecting children's rights. He emphasized the project's commitment to amplifying the voices of affected children and pushing for policy reforms to drive lasting change.
