SCEF Calls for a Collaborative Effort to End Child Labour
June 12th is marked globally as World Day Against Child Labour. This day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the need to respect children’s right to education and protection from all forms of violence and exploitation. World Day Against Child Labour 2023 is under the theme: Social Justice for All, End Child Labour.
In Ghana, child labour remains a significant problem. Despite the country enacting laws like the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), which prohibits the employment of children under 15 years, children continue to be engaged in work that deprives them of their childhood. According to a recent report by the Ghana Statistical Service, approximately 7.1% of children between 5 to 17 years are involved in child labour, with 60% of these children working in the agricultural sector.
These children often work in hazardous conditions, exposing them to physical and mental abuse, exploitation, and other forms of violence. They miss out on education, which is critical in breaking the cycle of poverty and achieving their full potential.
The Street Children Empowerment Foundation (SCEF) believes that every child deserves to learn in a safe and nurturing environment, free from the worries of exploitation or violence.
SCEF has been relentless in its efforts to empower street children in Ghana and around the world. Through education, skills acquisition, and advocacy programs, to provide them with the needed opportunities to break the cycle of poverty. We firmly believe that every child deserves access to quality education and has a right to a life free from all forms of abuse and exploitation.
This vision can only be achieved with a collective effort. We need to come together as a community and work towards the safety of all children, ensuring that every child in Ghana is free from child labour. We need to enforce the laws that protect children and strengthen the legal framework to protect children from all forms of violence and exploitation.
Organizations like SCEF, working to safeguard children in street situations need to be supportted. As the advocate for the Street Children Empowerment Foundation, I urge you to join us in this fight to end child labour, by donating financially or in supplies and volunteering your time. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of these children.
We have a collective responsibility to ensure that every child in our country has access to quality education and a safe environment to thrive in. Let us work together to end child labour in Ghana and create a brighter future for all our children.
By Ophelia Allotey
Executive Assistant and Advocate
