FIGHTING CHILD LABOUR

AT a time the whole world is up in arms against all forms of child labour, the discovery of a slave route between the fishing communities of Bortianor, Kokrobite and Oshiyie near Accra and Yeji in the Brong Ahafo Region, where children as young as five are recruited to work, must have come as a shock and a big shame to all right-thinking members of society.
According to the story (published in yesterday’s issue of our paper), the criminal activity was uncovered following the death of a five-year-old boy, Alfred Afedi Akpa, from Bortianor, who was smuggled to Yeji without the knowledge or consent of her mother. But what is even more chilling is the fact that consenting parents were said to have been paid between GH¢20 (¢200,000) and GH¢30 (¢300,000) for the release of their children into the modern-day slavery.
The question that immediately comes to mind is: What is it that drives parents to part with their beloved children, some as young as five, to provide labour for others for mere pittance?
For many, the answer must be poverty, illiteracy or both. And much as the Daily Graphic shares some of these concerns, we totally condemn the SHAMELESS people who are ready to employ such little ones for domestic labour. This is not only inhuman but also unconstitutional and we call on all and sundry to help put a stop to this dastardly act.
Given the facts of this particular case, we are inclined to believe that what has so far been uncovered is only a tip of the iceberg. We, therefore, call on the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to conduct very thorough investigations into the matter, free all the children who have been lured into this dehumanising situation and also bring all the perpetrators to book.
Furthermore, we call on society to be forthcoming with information on any form of child labour and the people behind it so that the police can quickly flush them out. That is our moral duty and we cannot shy away from it. Indeed, we are of the strong view that this form of modern-day slavery has been in existence for quite some time now and that had it not been for the unfortunate death of Little Alfred Akpa, it would have been business as usual. Now is the time for all of us to help put a stop to this inhuman practice.
But, above all, the Daily Graphic thinks that the government and its social partners, as well as the relevant non-governmental organisations (NGOs), must demonstrate a willingness to go to the aid of the many children who will be rescued from child labour camps.
Since 2002, some non-governmental organisations have been using education to address all abusive forms of child labour. To reduce child labour, these NGOs and their partners are equipping children, aged eight to 14 and who are in labour situations, with basic and life skills. From vocational and practical skills training to basic literacy classes for children, these NGOs help girls and boys to learn about personal safety and opportunities to enter or re-enter the formal school system and as well equip them with practical vocational skills.
We think Ghana and its social partners can also do the same, and very quickly too, if we must bring this shameless and inhuman practice to its knees.