Child Labour: CHRAJ flags over 1.1 million children in economic activity

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has raised alarm over the growing incidence of child labour in the country, warning that it poses a serious threat to the country's future and violates children’s fundamental rights.

In a statement to mark World Day Against Child Labour on June 12, 2026, it cited recent data from the Ghana Statistical Service, showing that more than one million children were engaged in child labour in 2023.

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"In Ghana, recent data from the Ghana Statistical Service indicate more than 1.1 million children aged 5–17 years were engaged in economic activity in 2023. Alarmingly, over 458,000 of these children were not attending school", it noted.

The Commission says the figures reflect not just a social challenge but a worrying rights crisis that continues to deny children education, protection, and the opportunity to develop to their full potential.

"Alarmingly, over 458,000 of these children were not attending school, highlighting the difficult reality that many children continue to miss out on education and opportunities that could shape a better future and help end the cycle of poverty," the statement said.

The Commission emphasised that child labour is a direct violation of multiple legal and human rights frameworks, including Ghana’s Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), the 1992 Constitution, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

"It undermines the rights guaranteed under the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, among others, all of which recognise the right of every child to protection, education, development, and dignity," it said.

CHRAJ further called for stronger enforcement of child protection laws, expanded access to quality and inclusive education, and policies that reduce economic vulnerability among households.

World Day Against Child Labour is observed annually on June 12 to raise awareness and promote global activism against the exploitation of children in the workplace.

The 2026 campaign is themed "Red card to child labour: Fair play for children, decent work for adults".

See the full statement below:



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