An oversight visit to the Ayensuano District by Members of Parliament and officials from UNICEF Ghana and ACEPA has revealed that poverty and parental neglect are the main causes of child labour and trafficking in the area.
The District Chief Executive, Joseph Tawiah Lartey, explained that many children are forced into menial jobs such as selling, farming, and carrying loads instead of attending school. Findings showed that out of 32,420 school-aged children, about 7,000 were not enrolled.
To address the issue, the assembly, with UNICEF’s support, has launched initiatives like the Integrated Social Services (ISS) to coordinate child protection and education efforts. The visit emphasized the need for stronger parliamentary oversight and sustainable livelihood programs to combat child labour and safeguard children’s futures.
This engagement was made possible by ACEPA and UNICEF.