By Ewurabena Paha
A survey conducted by the Minerals Commission, Child Labour Unit of the Employment and Labour Relations Ministry, and other child-related Agencies in Mining Communities has shown that teenage girls are bringing forth children with severe deformities due to exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Ahead of World Day Against Child Labour, on June 12, Senior Officer, Gender and International Affairs at the Minerals Commission, Mrs. Bernice Botchway, said Child Labour has taken a new twist where children work in extreme danger to fend not only for themselves but, sick parents and the whole family.
This development, Mrs. Botchway said makes it impossible for Ghana to meet the global deadline to end all forms of Child Labour by 2025.
Mrs. Botchway who is also the Chairperson of Mobilization, Communication and Advocacy Committee on Child Labour, identified lack of knowledge, policy implementation and poverty as the major factors hindering progress to eliminate Child Labour.
She said those in charge must accept that the canker is rife and should not turn a blind eye as it affects national development and the overall protection of children who are the country’s future manpower.
