Public Affairs Unit, MLJE
The Ghanaian government has formally announced the assessment results of three Child employment Free Zones (CLFZs), praising the achievement as a significant step toward eliminating child employment and protecting Ghanaian children’s future.
The accomplishments show that Ghana’s community-driven Child Labour Free Zones model is producing quantifiable and long-lasting results, according to Hon. Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, Minister for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, who spoke at the official declaration ceremony held at Kuffuor Camp DA Basic School in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region.
The proclamation included the Tano Odumase Area Council and Kuffuor Camp Area Council in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region, as well as the Subri Zonal Council in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region.
The Minister stated that the Subri Zonal Council scored 77.37 percent (Grade C), the Tano Odumase Area Council scored 87.23 percent (Grade B), and the Kuffuor Camp Area Council scored 83.62 percent (Grade B).
According to Dr. Pelpuo, the event was more than just the release of assessment results; it was “the celebration of a shared commitment, a reaffirmation of our national resolve, and a demonstration that when government, communities, development partners, and industry work together, meaningful progress is possible.”
He emphasised that the Child Labour Free Zones initiative is a government-owned, government-led, and community-driven project that represents a significant change in Ghana’s approach to ending child labour.
The Minister said, “The Child Labour Free Zones approach offers a sustainable pathway towards the progressive elimination of child labour in our communities.” The results of the assessment offer strong proof that the model is workable and efficient.
The Minister conveyed his sincere gratitude to the Japanese government, via the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), for providing technical and financial assistance in carrying out the project.
Dr. Pelpuo described the cooperation as long-lasting and priceless, saying that Japan’s investment in a government-owned and government-led initiative demonstrated faith in Ghana’s dedication to safeguarding children, bolstering communities, and creating sustainable institutions.
The Minister added that the milestone demonstrated the strength of cooperation in combating child labour and acknowledged the contributions of implementing partners, development partners, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, district assemblies, community child protection structures, farmer groups, the private sector, and other stakeholders.
Dr. Pelpuo emphasised that the declaration was not the conclusion of the trip, but rather the start of a greater duty, even as he celebrated the progress made.
He urged both current and prospective partners to support the nationwide expansion of the Child Labour Free Zones initiative, noting that the model had produced measurable results and deserved greater collaboration, stronger investment, and national ownership to eliminate all forms of child labour.
“Every child removed from child labour and restored to education, protection and opportunity represents a victory for our nation. Every community that embraces this vision strengthens Ghana’s future,” he said.
Source: newsthemegh.com