The Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly has taken a firm stand against child labour during the 2026 World Day Against Child Labour, declaring that any person who denies a child the right to play, learn, and grow in safety will face legal consequences.
The commemoration, held under the global theme “Red Card to Child Labour – Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults,” combined traditional community gatherings with media outreach to reach citizens across the municipality, including remote farming communities.
The main event was a durbar held at Akyem Tafo, attended by traditional rulers, schoolchildren, teachers, parents, and community members. Representatives from the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Ghana Education Service (GES), the Labour Commission, and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) delivered addresses that underscored the dangers of child labour.
Speakers emphasised that child labour does more than rob children of their childhood. It weakens national development, keeps families in poverty, and undermines the skills needed for Ghana’s progress.
Later in the day, the Assembly held a live broadcast on Nopras FM. Officers from the Criminal Investigation Department of the Ghana Police Service and the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development answered questions from listeners, creating an open forum for community dialogue.
During the broadcast, officers explained the provisions of Ghana’s Children’s Act 560 in clear, accessible language. They detailed what the law prohibits, including hazardous work that harms a child’s health or education, as well as forced labour and trafficking. They also issued a clear warning: adults who violate these protections face fines or imprisonment.
The broadcast was particularly impactful in communities where information about child labour laws has been limited.
Mr. Percy Nimako-Yamoah, Municipal Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development for Abuakwa North, stated that the commemoration marks the beginning of a sustained effort. He outlined the Assembly’s long-term goal: to create a protective environment where children are safe from exploitation. This includes ensuring that schoolchildren can identify and report abuse, parents recognise the value of education over child labour, and community members take active responsibility for protecting young people.
“The ‘Red Card’ we have shown today is not a symbolic gesture,” said Mr. Nimako-Yamoah. “It is a declaration of war against child labour in this municipality. We will not relent in our enforcement efforts, and we will not stop educating our people until every child is free to learn, play, and thrive.”
