The Government of Ghana has officially declared the assessment results of three Child Labour Free Zones (CLFZs), describing the milestone as a significant step towards eliminating child labour and safeguarding the future of Ghanaian children.
The declaration ceremony, held at Kuffuor Camp DA Basic School in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region, was led by the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Hon. Dr. Abdul‑Rashid Hassan Pelpuo. He said the achievements demonstrate that Ghana’s community‑driven Child Labour Free Zones model is delivering measurable and sustainable results.
The declaration covered the Subri Zonal Council in the Bibiani‑Anhwiaso‑Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region, as well as the Tano Odumase Area Council and Kuffuor Camp Area Council in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region. Assessment results recorded 77.37 percent (Grade C) for Subri, 87.23 percent (Grade B) for Tano Odumase, and 83.62 percent (Grade B) for Kuffuor Camp.
Dr. Pelpuo described the occasion as more than the announcement of outcomes, calling it “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 CLFZ initiative marks a bold shift in Ghana’s strategy to eliminate child labour, noting that it is government‑owned, government‑led and community‑driven.
“The Child Labour Free Zones approach offers a sustainable pathway towards the progressive elimination of child labour in our communities,” he stated, adding that the assessment outcomes provide compelling evidence that the model is practical and effective.
The Minister expressed profound appreciation to the Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), for its financial and technical support. He described Japan’s investment as a reflection of confidence in Ghana’s commitment to protecting children, strengthening communities and building sustainable systems.
Acknowledging the contributions of implementing partners, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, district assemblies, community child protection structures, farmer groups, the private sector and other stakeholders, Dr. Pelpuo said the milestone underscored the power of collaboration in addressing child labour.
While celebrating the progress made, he stressed that the declaration marked the beginning of a greater responsibility rather than the end of the journey. He called on partners to support the expansion of the CLFZ initiative nationwide, noting that the model had demonstrated measurable results and deserved broader collaboration, stronger investment and greater national ownership.
“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.
Leave a Reply