Government Declares 3 New Child Labour Free Zones

The Government of Ghana has officially declared the assessment results of three Child Labour Free Zones (CLFZs), describing the milestone as a significant step towards eliminating child labour and safeguarding the future of Ghanaian children.

Speaking at the official declaration ceremony held at Kuffuor Camp DA Basic School in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region, the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Hon. Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, said the achievements demonstrate that Ghana’s community-driven Child Labour Free Zones model is delivering measurable and sustainable results.

The declaration covered the Subri Zonal Council in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region, as well as the Tano Odumase Area Council and Kuffuor Camp Area Council in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region.

According to the Minister, the assessment results recorded 77.37 percent (Grade C) for the Subri Zonal Council, 87.23 percent (Grade B) for the Tano Odumase Area Council, and 83.62 percent (Grade B) for the Kuffuor Camp Area Council.

Dr. Pelpuo described the occasion as more than the announcement of assessment outcomes, stating that it represented “the celebration of a shared commitment, a reaffirmation of our national resolve, and a demonstration that when government, communities, development partners and industry work together, meaningful progress is possible.”

He explained that the Child Labour Free Zones initiative marks a bold shift in Ghana’s strategy to eliminate child labour, emphasizing that it is a Government of Ghana initiative that is government-owned, government-led and community-driven.

“The Child Labour Free Zones approach offers a sustainable pathway towards the progressive elimination of child labour in our communities,” the Minister stated, adding that the assessment outcomes provide compelling evidence that the model is practical and effective.

The Minister expressed profound appreciation to the Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), for its financial and technical support towards implementing the initiative.

Dr. Pelpuo said Japan’s investment in a government-owned and government-led intervention reflected confidence in Ghana’s commitment to protecting children, strengthening communities and building sustainable systems, describing the partnership as enduring and invaluable.

The Minister further acknowledged the contributions of implementing partners, development partners, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, district assemblies, community child protection structures, farmer groups, the private sector and other stakeholders, saying the milestone underscored the power of collaboration in addressing child labour.

While celebrating the progress made, Dr. Pelpuo stressed that the declaration marked the beginning of a greater responsibility rather than the end of the journey.

He called on both existing and prospective partners to support the expansion of the Child Labour Free Zones initiative across the country, noting that the model had demonstrated measurable results and deserved broader collaboration, stronger investment and greater national ownership to eliminate child labour in all its forms.

“Every child removed from child labour and restored to education, protection and opportunity represents a victory for our nation. Every community that embraces this vision strengthens Ghana’s future,” he said.

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