More children found in child labour at Jaway Wharf

Jaway Wharf (W/R), October 17, GNA- Over 100 children mainly from Ekumfi Kumpoano and surrounding villages in the Central Region, aged between six and 19 years have been found doing odd jobs at Jaway Wharf near Half Assini.

They were employed by some fishermen to help them in their fishing expedition at Jaway Wharf.

This was made known when the Western Regional Coordinator of the Ghana National Commission on Children (GNCC), Mr John Hackman and the Western Regional Officer of the Department of Social Welfare, Mr Abraham Quayson when they paid a surprise visit to Jaway Wharf last Monday.

The two officials found some children busily mending the fishing nets.

When the children were confronted, they told Mr Hackman that they have refused to go to school because their parents could not afford. Nana Kweku Yeebu, Chief Fisherman at Half Assini on behalf of the fishermen confirmed what the children said and alleged that proceeds from the children's labour are sent to their parents at the end of the fishing season.

Mr Quayson advised parents to educate their children to at least the Junior Secondary School (JSS) level before embarking on fishing if they so wish.

He said the Department of Social Welfare is ready to assist parents whose children recalcitrant and advised guardians who have problems to call at social welfare office for advice.