Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Mrs Cynthia Mamle Morrison has caution parents to stop engaging their wards in activities that deprive them of their childhood.
Child labour refers to the exploitation of children through any form of work that deprives children of their childhood, interferes with their ability to attend regular school, and is mentally, physically, socially or morally harmful.
To her, many children have been exposed to child labour from their young age and later grow up to be corrupted and end up stealing, committing crimes and taking part in violence due to the violation they faced when they were younger.
During an interview with Abena Pokua Ahwenee on Dadi FM’s “Efa wo ho” morning show, Mrs Morrison said activities such as helping their parents at home, assisting in a family business or earning pocket money after school hours and during school holidays are not bad.
Adding that it contributes to children’s development and also provide them with skills and experience, and help to prepare them to be productive members of society during their adult life.
She indicates that for parents allowing their wards working with dangerous machinery, equipment and tools, mining, fishing, selling on the roadside during school hours will not help the child’s future.
“Child labour has deprived some children of their childhood, health and education, and condemning them to a life of poverty,” she stated.
Mrs Morrison mentions that children who work as child labour do not have a chance of improving their life and there is no way they can complete their education because they may not have enough time to learn
She averred that not all works are performed by children hence parents should stop tormenting their wards right.
Mrs Morrison however, advised parents to guide their wards to take their studies serious and avoid giving them works that will be harmful and dangerous to their health and also prepare to them for a better future.
Source: Mybrytfmonline/Abba Kwegyirba Aggrey
