Accra: The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has raised alarm over the growing incidence of child labour in the country, warning that it poses a serious threat to the country's future and violates children's fundamental rights.
According to Ghana Web, in a statement to mark World Day Against Child Labour on June 12, 2026, CHRAJ cited recent data from the Ghana Statistical Service, showing that more than one million children were engaged in child labour in 2023. The data reveals that over 1.1 million children aged 5-17 years were involved in economic activities, with more than 458,000 of them not attending school.
The Commission stresses that these figures reflect not just a social challenge but a worrying rights crisis that continues to deny children education, protection, and the opportunity to develop to their full potential. The absence of education for such a significant number of children highlights the difficult reality that many are missing out on opportunities that could shape a better future and help end the cycle of poverty.
CHRAJ has emphasised that child labour is a direct violation of multiple legal and human rights frameworks, including Ghana's Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560), the 1992 Constitution, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. These frameworks recognise the right of every child to protection, education, development, and dignity.
The Commission has called for stronger enforcement of child protection laws, expanded access to quality and inclusive education, and policies that reduce economic vulnerability among households. These measures are seen as vital steps to combat the child labour crisis.
World Day Against Child Labour is observed annually on June 12 to raise awareness and promote global activism against the exploitation of children in the workplace. The 2026 campaign is themed "Red card to child labour: Fair play for children, decent work for adults".