PROTECT AND PRESERVE THE RIGHT AND DIGNITY OF CHILDREN -NCCE

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Anloga Directorate, joined this year’s observance of the International Day Against Child Labour through its regular radio programme, Time with NCCE, aired on Jubilee 106.9 FM under the theme "Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults".

As part of activities marking the day, the Directorate called on parents, guardians, and child caregivers to change their attitudes towards children’s rights and dignity in all activities concerning children.

Speaking on the programme, Ms Afetorgbor Emmanuella Woelikplim made a passionate appeal for stronger protection of children and emphasized that any work that denies a child access to education, good health, growth, and development constitutes child labour.

She explained that child labour continues to silently affect children’s mental, physical, emotional, moral, and health development. According to her, involving children in strenuous activities on farms, rivers, at sea and in marketplaces and assigning them tasks that adults should ordinarily perform for remuneration, while denying them the opportunity to enjoy a safe and healthy childhood, amounts to child labour.

Ms Afetorgbor further stressed that children need quality time to play, learn, express their views, and enjoy protection as guaranteed under child rights principles.

She also educated listeners on the provisions of the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), noting that children may engage in light work such as sleeping arrangements, cleaning, washing, running simple errands at home, and other age-appropriate household responsibilities that do not interfere with their education, health, or development.

Also speaking on the programme, Mr. Sylvester Kojo Deku, Social Welfare and Community Development Department Officer, Anloga, elaborated on the role of the Department in addressing child protection issues. He encouraged community members, parents, and guardians to report cases of child exploitation, abuse, and neglect.

He emphasised that while children may assist with light household responsibilities, such activities should never interfere with schooling, health, rest, or overall wellbeing.

The programme further educated listeners on the distinction between acceptable child participation in age-appropriate activities and exploitative child labour practices that expose children to physical, emotional, and psychological harm.

Listeners were encouraged to support efforts aimed at eliminating child labour through education, stronger family support systems, and collective community action.

The NCCE Anloga Directorate reaffirmed its commitment to continuous civic education and stakeholder collaboration to promote and protect the rights of children and contribute to national development.