No culture or economic hardships should justify child labour – Minister

The Minister for Labour, Jobs, and Employment in Ghana, Emmanuel Kojo Agyekum, has strongly condemned the practice of child labour, emphasizing that cultural practices and economic hardships should not be used as justifications. Speaking at the 2026 Annual National Partners Forum in Accra, Mr. Agyekum stressed that protecting children from exploitation is a national priority, irrespective of their families' economic situations or cultural norms.

He urged the public to understand the difference between children helping their parents with household tasks and engaging in child labour that interferes with their education and development. Agyekum called for a better public comprehension of this distinction, emphasizing that no child's school time should be taken away for work that exposes them to hazardous conditions.

He argued that Ghana's economic challenges cannot be an excuse for exploiting children, advocating for the creation of more employment opportunities to alleviate the conditions that lead to child labour. The Minister also linked the fight against child labour to Ghana's industrial development, proposing increased local production of goods such as concrete mixers and vehicles to boost the economy and create jobs.

He announced plans for a national dialogue on job creation, highlighting that providing sustainable employment for adults could significantly reduce the economic pressure that sometimes drives children into labour. Meanwhile, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, called for stronger collective action to combat child labour, stressing that the fight should move beyond discussions to practical actions.

She challenged the notion that child labour is limited to helping parents with household chores, stating that any activity that prevents children from attending school or harms their education must be addressed. Arthur urged all stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, communities, and others, to intensify their efforts in protecting children from all forms of child labour.

The 2026 Annual National Partners Forum, with the theme "Accelerating Action Against Child Labour: Building a Child Labour-Free Ghana Through Stronger Partnership," gathered various stakeholders to enhance collaboration towards eliminating child labour in Ghana.