Ghana Launches Child Labour Statistics Compendium to Strengthen Data-Driven Action

The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has officially launched Ghana’s Statistical Compendium on Child Labour, describing it as a critical tool to enhance evidence-based policymaking and accelerate efforts to eliminate child labour nationwide.

Delivering his keynote address, Dr Pelpuo emphasised that the compendium marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s fight against child labour.

“This is not merely a technical document; it is both a policy and operational tool designed to guide decision-making, support research, and strengthen monitoring systems,” he said. “Its value lies in the statistics and in how we use them to deliver targeted and impactful interventions.”

He urged all stakeholders to actively utilise the document, stressing that its relevance depends on adoption and practical application.

“This compendium will not sit on shelves; it will be used to shape policies and interventions across the country,” he added.

The Acting Chief Labour Officer, Mr Dawuda Braimah, highlighted the importance of establishing a unified national framework for child labour data. According to him, inconsistent definitions and reporting methods have previously limited effective coordination.

“This compendium introduces a common framework that will guide data collection, analysis and reporting across institutions,” he explained. “By providing clearly defined indicators and measurement standards, it will ensure more consistent and reliable information for planning, monitoring and targeted interventions.”

Mr Braimah also underscored the need for collaboration. “The fight against child labour cannot be won by the government alone. It requires the collective efforts of all partners,” he noted.

Dr Joseph Bandana, Country Lead and Regional Advisor for Africa at the Swiss Platform for Sustainable Cocoa, commended the Ministry and its partners for their leadership and commitment.

“Today’s launch marks an important milestone in strengthening Ghana’s Child Labour Management System and advancing the national action plan,” he said. “Reliable data is essential for informed decision-making, and this compendium will help improve how data is used to guide planning, strengthen accountability and track progress.”

The compendium was developed through a collaborative process led by the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment through its Child Labour Unit, with funding support from the International Cocoa Initiative and contributions from key partners, including UNICEF.

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