Globally, there are an estimated 152 million children in child labour, 72 million of which are in hazardous work. These children are now at even greater risk of facing circumstances that are even more difficult and working longer hours.  In Ghana 1.9 million are in child labour, 49000 are in fisheries of which 21000 are in hazardous work.

This year’s World Day Against Child Labour focuses on the impact of crisis on children. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic fallout are having a major impact on people’s lives and livelihoods. In all these, unfortunately, children are the first to suffer. The current crisis can further push millions of vulnerable children into child labour. This makes it even more critical to protect the right of children to life – to quality education, health and love. Children are meant to be children, to learn and not to earn in workplaces.

Today, we join the rest of the world to call on all to end child labour and secure a better future for children. We support the rest of the global community to call for the protection of children. Our SECRIFISE project will continue to work with stakeholders to address this canker and ensure government’s commitment to eradicate the worst form of labour is achieved.