Accra: Ghana has introduced a National Compendium of Child Labour Indicators to standardise measurement, reporting, and monitoring of child labour across sectors. The initiative aims to strengthen evidence-based policy and interventions nationwide, complementing ongoing efforts to operationalise the Ghana Child Labour Monitoring System (GCLMS). The GCLMS is designed to support the identification, referral, and tracking of child labour cases across the country.
According to Ghana News Agency, the compendium was launched by Dr. Abdul Rashid Pelpuo, Minister of Labour, Jobs, and Employment, who described it as a critical policy and operational tool for tackling child labour. "This document establishes a common reference point for all stakeholders and will guide policymakers in evidence-based decision-making while supporting effective monitoring and evaluation," he said.
The compendium, developed with the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI) and partners, provides a harmonised framework of indicators, including statistical definitions, key variables, and measurement criteria, to ensure consistency in data collection and reporting. It is expected to serve as a central reference for government institutions, civil society organisations, and development partners, while improving coordination and comparability of data at national and international levels.
Dr. Pelpuo noted that the compendium aligns with Ghana's commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the target to eliminate child labour. He urged ministries, departments, agencies, and partners to integrate the indicators into their reporting systems.
Mr. Mike Arthur, Country Director of ICI Ghana, highlighted that the compendium addresses longstanding challenges of inconsistent data. "This is closing a very important gap because we can now ensure that data used across reports are collected in the same manner," he said.
Mr. Dauda Braimah, Acting Chief Labour Officer, added that the indicators would enable Ghana to better define and track its own progress. "It means that we can tell our own story and guide how we measure child labour going forward," he said.
The compendium is part of broader national and international efforts to eliminate child labour, particularly in high-risk sectors such as agriculture, through improved data systems and coordinated action.