Adansi akrokerri: Mr. Charles Kofi Ogbeh, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Adansi North, has called on all stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and adopt effective measures to eliminate child labour and forced labour in the district. He emphasized the need for a collective effort involving traditional authorities, assembly members, unit committee members, parents, and community leaders, especially in cocoa-growing and mining communities where children remain vulnerable.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ogbeh made these remarks during the commemoration of the 2026 World Day Against Child Labour, organized by the Adansi North District Assembly through its Department of Social Welfare at Adansi Akrokerri. The event, themed 'Red Card to Child Labour, Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults,' brought together representatives from various sectors, including the Ghana Education Service and traditional authorities.
The DCE revealed that following a recent stakeholders' meeting, the Assembly plans to conduct joint operations with security agencies to enforce district bye-laws aimed at protecting children. He warned that children under 18 found engaging in illegal mining activities, commercial motorcycle operations (Okada), and betting at gaming centers would face arrest and prosecution. Additionally, motorbikes used by minors will be confiscated.
Mr. Ogbeh explained that these measures are part of the district's efforts to reduce child labour and safeguard the welfare and future of children. Mr. Midas Nkuah, Head of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development at the Adansi North District Assembly, described child labour as involving children in activities that negatively impact their education, health, and physical development. He urged residents to report cases of child labour for appropriate actions to be taken.
The event started with a float through the principal streets of Akrokerri, raising awareness about the dangers of child labour and emphasizing the importance of protecting children's rights. Participants carried placards with messages such as 'Protect the Child, Preserve Adansi North' and 'Books, Not Tools - Let Our Children Learn.'
Nana Ama Yiwah, representing the Queenmother of Adansi Akrokerri, commended the Assembly for choosing Akrokerri as the event's host and pledged the support of traditional authorities in the fight against child labour. She urged parents to take responsibility for their children's upbringing and highlighted the importance of investing in children's welfare and education for a brighter future. Nana Ama Yiwah also cautioned against involving children in cocoa farm activities during school hours, emphasizing that education is the key to a better future.