Author: Nicholas Akussah
The International Cocoa Initiative (ICI) has taken a significant step towards tackling child labour in Ghana’s cocoa communities by training journalists from across the country.
A 2-day workshop, held in Assin Fosu in the Central region, brought together media personalities, cocoa sector stakeholders, and representatives from government agencies to equip journalists with the knowledge and skills needed to report effectively on child labor issues.
The training program is part of a broader effort to curb the spread of child labor in cocoa communities. Ghana is the world’s second-largest producer of cocoa, but the industry has long been plagued by concerns over child labor.
By empowering journalists to shed light on this critical issue, the ICI aims to raise awareness, promote advocacy, and drive change.
During the workshop, participants engaged in discussions and training sessions focused on the complexities of child labor in the cocoa sector. They explored topics such as the root causes of child labor, the impact on children and communities, and the role of stakeholders in preventing and addressing the issue.
The training also emphasized the importance of responsible reporting, highlighting best practices for journalists to follow when investigating and reporting on child labor cases.
As part of the efforts, the Standard operating procedures and guidelines for addressing child labour was also introduced by the ministry of employment and labour relations.
The SOP which includes introduction & background, legal framework, guidelines for addressing child labour and institutional arrangement focuses on guiding government institutions and all stakeholders who are involved in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of child labour projects and programmes.
The ICI’s initiative has been praised for its proactive approach to addressing child labor. By engaging journalists and other stakeholders, the organization is helping to build a coalition of advocates committed to eradicating child labor from Ghana’s cocoa communities.
As the country strives to maintain its position as a leading cocoa producer, it is essential that the industry prioritizes the welfare and safety of its most vulnerable members and the children.
