Anloga: The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Anloga District of the Volta Region has actively participated in this year's International Day Against Child Labour. The event, celebrated globally, is themed "Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults."
According to Ghana News Agency, the NCCE Directorate emphasized the need for parents, guardians, and child caregivers to transform their attitudes towards children's rights and dignity. They stressed that these changes are crucial for the progress and development of children. During an interview, Madam Afetorgbor Emmanuella Woelikplim Afetorgbor, the Gender Desk Officer of NCCE, Anloga, urged for stronger protection measures for children. She highlighted that any work preventing access to education, health, growth, and development is considered child labour.
She elaborated that child labour adversely impacts children's mental, physical, emotional, moral, and health development. Activities such as working on farms, rivers, at sea, or in marketplaces, and performing tasks meant for adults, restrict children from having a safe and healthy childhood. She emphasized the need for children to have quality time to play, learn, express themselves, and be protected in line with child rights principles.
Madam Afetorgbor also referenced the Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560), which stipulates that children should only engage in light work like sweeping, cleaning, washing, and simple errands that do not disrupt their education, health, or development.
Mr. Sylvester Kojo Deku, from the Social Welfare and Community Development Department in Anloga District, discussed the Department's role in addressing child protection issues. He encouraged community members to report cases of child exploitation, abuse, and neglect. Mr. Deku reiterated that while children may help with household responsibilities, these should not interfere with their schooling, health, rest, or overall wellbeing.
The programme aims to educate the public on the difference between acceptable child participation in age-appropriate activities and exploitative practices that harm children physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Mr. Deku urged public support to eliminate child labour through education, family support systems, and community action, and to report any acts endangering children's rights.
The NCCE Anloga Directorate reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing civic education and stakeholder collaboration to uphold children's rights and contribute to national development.