Kumasi, Jan 31, GNA - Mr. Matthew Dally, the National Programme Coordinator of the International Labour Organization (ILO) has said that the organization's convention has recognized that child trafficking as one of the forms of child labour should be totally eliminated in society.
He said the organization also considered it as a heinous crime against humanity on a modern day slavery that should be checked to enable children enjoy their rights and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the country.
Mr Dally said this at the launch of a child trafficking campaign organized jointly by the Defence for Children International (CDI) Ghana, a non-governmental organization, and the Social Research Associates (SRA), consultants and research management in Kumasi on Wednesday. The programme aimed at creating the awareness about child trafficking and child labour in the metropolis to help check the menace. According to Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) Survey Report of 2003, most of the estimated total of 1.27 million engaged in child labour in Ghana was linked to internal trafficking situations.
The National Coordinator explained that some traffic victims worked long hours in harsh inhuman conditions which deprived them of their education, leisure time, and denied them of their health care and others which affected their development.
He said the ILO and the government were doing a lot to ensure total elimination of the problem and asked individuals and organizations to support the fight against child trafficking and child labour in the country.
Mr Kwesi Atta-Mensah, Programme Officer of the SRA, said 10 communities in the Kumasi metropolis had benefited from a Child Trafficking Project being implemented by the SRA and CDI, and funded by the ILO.
He mentioned some of the beneficiary communities as Aboabo, Adum, Bantama, Asafo, Fante Newtown, Asawase, Moshie Zongo and Bourkrom. Mr Atta-Mensah stated that under the programme, Child Right Clubs and vigilantes would be formed in schools, communities, industrial areas to educate people on the need to avoid child trafficking and child labour.
Nana Ampofo Kyei Baffour, Asemhene of Kumasi, said the establishment of Otumfuo's Education Fund was to support the needy and students to promote education. Mr Joseph Onyina, Kumasi Metropolitan Director of Education, attributed the cause of child trafficking to poverty and stressed the need for parents to engage in viable economic activities to improve their incomes and give quality education to their children.
