Children in La Dade-Kotopon Municipality urged to report child labor

Children under the age of 15 in Ghana's La Dade-Kotopon Municipality have been strongly urged to report any form of exploitation or work imposed by parents or guardians that deprives them of education or well-being. Municipal Chief Executive Alfredos Nii Anyetei made the call during a float organized by the assembly as part of activities marking World Day Against Child Labour.

The event, themed 'Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children and Decent Work for Adults,' aimed to raise awareness about child labor and encourage stakeholders to protect children from exploitation. Students from several local schools participated in a walk, displaying placards with messages like "Say No to Child Labour and Yes to Education" and "Report Cases of Child Labour to the Authorities."

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Any child facing such a situation should report it to an imam, pastor, teacher, police officer or any responsible elder for the necessary action to be taken.

Anyetei emphasized that children under 15 should not be engaged in income-generating activities, as this contravenes national and international laws protecting children's rights. He advised children facing such situations to report them to trusted adults such as imams, pastors, teachers, or police officers. The assembly pledged to protect any child who reports such cases, aligning with government policy and international commitments.

While acknowledging that child labor is not widespread in the municipality, Anyetei noted isolated cases requiring attention. The awareness campaign seeks to educate residents and children on identifying and intervening in child labor acts. He also urged parents and guardians to prioritize their children's education, assuring children that they would face no repercussions for reporting exploitation.

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The assembly will by all means possible, protect any child who faces such a situation because it is government policy and a commitment under international conventions to protect children from all forms of exploitation.