Ghana Statistical Service Reports High Rates of Child Labour

The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has released alarming data on child labor in the country, revealing that over 1.1 million children between the ages of 5 and 17 are engaged in some form of work, representing 10.3% of children in this age group.

According to the 2023 Annual Household Income and Expenditure Survey, nearly 900,000 of these children are involved in paid labor, with a significant disparity between rural and urban areas. Rural areas have a higher proportion of working children, with nearly three-quarters of the total, while urban areas have just over a quarter.

The report also highlights a significant impact on education, with nearly half a million working children not attending school, and almost 70% of these children having never attended or dropped out.

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The most common types of work for these children are family work, farm work, unpaid apprenticeships, and work for their own family's use, with the services sector employing the majority of working children.

The release of this data coincides with the World Day Against Child Labour, which calls for global action to eradicate child labor. The theme this year, "Let's Act on Our Commitments: End Child Labour," emphasizes the need to fulfill pledges to protect children's rights and eliminate child labor practices.

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The GSS report highlights the need for urgent action to address child labor in Ghana, particularly in rural areas and in the services sector. The government, civil society organizations, and individuals must work together to ensure that children have access to education and are protected from exploitation.