Ghana, Japan and UNICEF team up with $2.3M plan to fight child labour
Ghana has joined forces with the Government of Japan and UNICEF in a US$2.3 million partnership to tackle child labour and protect children’s rights across the country. The initiative, officially launched in Accra, aims to give vulnerable children a brighter future and keep them in school, where they belong.
The programme will focus on communities where children are most at risk of exploitation, particularly in sectors like agriculture, fishing, informal mining, and street work. It will support local social workers, expand community outreach, improve data collection, and provide practical interventions to help children safely return to school and stay there.
Officials say the partnership builds on Ghana’s ongoing national strategy to eliminate the worst forms of child labour and aligns with global efforts to ensure every child enjoys education, safety, and a proper childhood.
Speaking at the launch, Ghana’s Minister for Employment and Labour Relations stressed that child labour is often driven by poverty, limited access to education, and lack of social support for families. The programme, he said, will focus on community-based approaches, working hand-in-hand with local systems to make the impact lasting.
The Japanese Ambassador highlighted Japan’s long-standing commitment to supporting child rights in Ghana, while UNICEF officials emphasised the importance of evidence-based, collaborative action between government, donors, and local organizations.
Child labour, which denies children access to education and affects their health and development, remains a significant challenge in Ghana despite existing legal protections. Sustained investment and collaborative initiatives such as this partnership are essential to addressing the root causes of exploitation and ensuring children have safe and supportive environments in which to grow and learn.
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