Spotlight on EPAG in Ghana
Local officials and police play a major role in reducing child labor and enforcing sustainable monitoring systems
March 2006. Environment Protection Association of Ghana (EPAG) has been implementing a 6-month project under CIRCLE to contribute to the elimination of child labor through sensitization, training of Child Labor Committees, and the withdrawal of 30 children from agricultural work and their enrolment in formal school.
Local officials and police play a major role in reducing child labor and enforcing sustainable monitoring systems
EPAG works in rural communities where agriculture is the main source that employs children. Although EPAG has previously undertaken some activities toward the elimination of child labor in some communities of the Amasie West District, the CIRCLE project has yielded much impact in the communities where it is implemented. The project began with community mobilization, and also sponsored several training workshops on child labor issues. Sessions were organized with key stakeholders: the district assembly, traditional authorities, the education service, the police, religious leaders, opinion leaders and the National Commission on Children.
EPAG based its services on the existing community structure. The Community Child Labor Committee (CCLC) is a government institution represented in every community. CCLCs have played a leading role and are a guarantee for sustainability and insuring development – serving as a watchdog. The CCLC provides first hand information as they live in the same communities where children are at risk, working or withdrawn: it’s a great child labor monitoring body.
The Amansie West District police office has also played a leading role in the fight against child labor. The CIRCLE Project received the support of the district Police Commander who plays an active role in the fight against child labour. He cautioned parents and children that he will prosecute them if they engage their children in hazardous work or any work that hampers their children’s education. His statement has helped EPAG in its activities. His statement is authoritative and it has put some parents who were irresponsible on their toes. EPAG used his statement in their sensitization activities.
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