Mampong MCE pledges to end child labour

Mampong (Ash), Nov. 5, GNA - Mr. Daniel Ohyeamang, Mampong Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), has pledged the assembly's resolve to end child labour in the area, through partnership with the Child Labour Committee, which aims at protecting children's rights.

The pledge is intended to end the engagement of children in agricultural production, which is the main economic activity in the area. Mr Ohyeamang was addressing a day's meeting with officials of the committee and the National Programme for Elimination of worst forms of child labour in cocoa, at Asante-Mampong. He said the assembly would provide adequate funds and logistics to tackle the problem head-on.

The MCE announced that two children sold into slavery have been rescued by the assembly and are now re-united with their families. Mrs. Rita Owusu-Amankwah, National Co-ordinator of the National Programme for the Elimination of Worst Forms of Child Labour in Cocoa, said the agenda was introduced by the government to end the exploitation of children as farmhands.

It is currently being implemented in 525 communities in 64 districts. She said another 17 districts would be added next year to expand the coverage to about 1000 communities. Mrs. Owusu-Amankwah appealed to the assembly to provide school infrastructure to improve enrolment. 5