Representatives from Ghana COCOBOD, farmer cooperatives, Ghana Education Service (GES), and civil society organizations raised these concerns at the launch of the Rights4Cocoa: Protecting Children’s Rights in Ghana’s Cocoa Sector project in Abesim, near Sunyani.

The Global Media Foundation (GloMeF), with support from the Unifor Social Justice Fund in Canada, has implemented a two-year project to combat child labour in the cocoa industry.

Mr Raphael Godlove Ahenu, Founder and CEO of GloMeF, emphasized the need to ensure that Ghana’s cocoa industry does not continue to thrive at the expense of children’s futures.

“It’s unfortunate and disturbing that thousands of children are engaged in hazardous labour, deprived of education, and stripped of their childhood. The time to change this narrative is now,” he stated.

He called for stronger enforcement of child protection laws, community empowerment through education and alternative livelihoods, and accountability from companies regarding ethical sourcing practices.

Mr. Benjamin Quarson, Deputy Bono Regional Director of Education, stressed the importance of collective efforts from community leaders, parents, and stakeholders to eliminate child labour and help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education.

Some cocoa farmers highlighted the lack of accessible schools in cocoa-growing communities as a key factor contributing to child labour. They urged the government to expand educational infrastructure to ensure children remain in school.

Mr. Edward Ayabilah, Programme Manager at GloMeF, said the project would collaborate with civil society, traditional leaders, the private sector, and international partners to create a sustainable cocoa industry that protects children’s rights.

“We will not only amplify the voices of affected children and their families but also push for policy reforms that drive lasting change,” he added.