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The Ghana, Japan, and UNICEF have launched a $2.3 million public-private partnership aimed at tackling child labour across the country.
The 12-month initiative seeks to strengthen child protection systems and support over 13,000 vulnerable children and caregivers by leveraging Japanese innovation and private-sector expertise.
With an estimated 1.1 million children engaged in child labour in Ghana, the programme targets five regions—Ashanti, Eastern, Western North, Ahafo, and Central—focusing on high-risk sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and illegal mining.
A key component of the initiative is the digital upgrade of the Ghana Child Labour Monitoring System to improve data sharing among institutions, including the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, as well as private sector partners.
The partnership also promotes broader development goals, including empowering adolescent girls under the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and supporting sustainable practices in rural communities through green transformation efforts.
Additionally, it aims to expand Child Labour Free Zones as a model for ethical sourcing, ensuring Ghana’s exports meet international human rights standards.
Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Yoshimoto emphasised the importance of aligning economic growth with human rights, while UNICEF Representative Osama Makkawi Khogali highlighted the initiative’s focus on addressing root causes through a multi-sectoral approach.
The collaboration marks a significant step toward strengthening Ghana’s child protection framework and advancing sustainable development through coordinated international support.
Source: 3news
