Despite ongoing efforts by government officials and prominent members
of society, the battle against child labor seems never-ending.
According
to The Head of United Nations' labor body, somewhere last year, told BBC that the
future of millions of children is at risk as growing numbers are pulled out of
school and into work.
Children as young as five years old roam the streets of Accra, shabbily
dressed, interrupting the daily activities of citizens in haste, pleading for
money, only to give it to their so-called caregivers or parents.
Due to lack of
modernization in some part of the country, children's voices in rural areas are
in the shadows. The rate at which child labor has dominated the rural areas is
heartbreaking.
Despite the government's
efforts to introduce the schooling system in most rural areas, some parents or
caregivers refuse to allow these children to enjoy their full fundamental human
rights.
As a result, access to
education remains a challenge for many children in these areas. Even when they
gain access to formal education, many children in rural areas struggle to
concentrate fully.
This global canker now
needs to be addressed with extensive force. The Child Rights Act in Ghana which
aims at safeguarding the rights and welfare of children in the country.
Its purpose is to review, revise, and update
laws pertaining to child rights, justice, and welfare in Ghana. The Act covers
various aspects of children's rights, including protection from exploitation,
access to education, healthcare, and justice. It also outlines measures for
promoting the holistic development and well-being of children in Ghana.
Although the Child Rights
Act exist in Ghana, its effectiveness is questionable as no penalties are
enforced against perpetrators of child labor. It is imperative that we advocate
for the rights of these children. Parents and caregivers must assume full
responsibility for their children or be subject to legal consequences. It is
time to prioritize the protection and well-being of children and hold accountable
those who exploit them.
Poverty, limited access
to education, and weak support systems are key factors to child labor. To
combat this, Ghana needs stronger efforts from the government, NGOs, and
international partners. Only then can we truly protect and support the
country's vulnerable children.
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