Accra: World Vision Ghana (WVG), in collaboration with the Wa East District Assembly, has established a Children's Parliament aimed at intensifying efforts to combat child labour and trafficking in the region.
According to Ghana News Agency, the inauguration of the Children's Parliament is part of the activities marking the 2026 World Day Against Child Labour, celebrated under the theme 'Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults.' This initiative acknowledges the negative impacts of child labour and trafficking on children, affecting their education, exposing them to abuse, and limiting their future opportunities.
In a speech delivered on his behalf, Mr. Sergious Before, Wa Cluster Manager of World Vision Ghana, stressed the importance of providing children with access to quality education, protection, and a safe environment for growth. He identified poverty, limited access to quality education, and negative cultural practices as primary contributors to child labour, especially in farming and illegal mining sectors.
Mr. Before called upon stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, to work together to protect children from exploitation and ensure their continued education. He highlighted WVG's ongoing interventions in education, child protection, livelihoods, and water provision aimed at improving children's well-being and reducing child labour. The Children's Parliament is seen as a crucial platform for empowering children to voice their concerns and actively participate in decisions affecting their welfare and development.
Mr. Clement Mol, Wa East District Officer of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to eradicate child labour and protect children's rights. He pointed out that child labour poses a significant threat to children's education, health, and overall development, as many in the district are deprived of schooling and subjected to exploitation.
He advocated for the creation of decent employment opportunities for parents, citing poverty and limited livelihood options as major contributors to child labour. Mr. Adamu Sayibu, Wa East District Chief Executive, praised World Vision Ghana for the initiative and remarked that the Children's Parliament would encourage children to remain in school. He urged stakeholders to fulfill their duties towards child protection, stating that 'Child labour remains one of the greatest threats to the future of our children.'
During the event, Mr. Yahaya Mumuni Abdul Raman, Wa East District Director of Education, addressed challenges affecting quality education in the district, including inadequate school infrastructure and insufficient teaching and learning materials. The event gathered traditional and religious leaders, district officials, teachers, and parents, all advocating for the protection and welfare of children. Participants committed to ending child labour and creating a safer environment where children could exercise their rights, remain in school, and achieve their full potential.