Teachers in Ghana have been cautioned against sending students out of school during or after instructional hours to engage in farming, domestic chores, or other non-academic activities, as such practices constitute child labour and violate children’s rights and the codes of conduct of teachers.
Ms. Richlove Amonoo, the Central Regional Gender and Social Protection Director, issued the stern warning while addressing stakeholders on the need to protect children from exploitation and ensure they enjoy uninterrupted access to quality education at the Central Regional dialogue on child labour, organized by Send Ghana in Cape Coast.
She stressed that assigning pupils to work on farms, fetch water, run errands, or perform household duties during school hours deprives them of learning opportunities and exposes them to potential harm, as the act flouts the law of the state, which is punishable by jail term, fine or both; hence, teachers should take note and act cautiously.
According to her, schools are expected to provide a safe and conducive environment for teaching and learning, and teachers must uphold the highest standards of child protection. She explained that while children may assist with light household chores appropriate for their age outside school hours, compelling them to undertake work that interferes with their education or exposes them to hazardous conditions amounts to child labour.
The Gender Director urged teachers to familiarize themselves with Ghana’s child protection laws and educational policies, emphasizing that no child should be used as a source of labour under the guise of discipline or assistance.
She also called on parents, school authorities, and community leaders to work together to eliminate child labour in all its forms by promoting regular school attendance and creating awareness of children’s rights and welfare.
Ms. Amonoo reiterated that protecting children from exploitation is a collective responsibility and encouraged educators to serve as role models by safeguarding the dignity, education, and future of every child entrusted to their care.
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Source: Eric Annan / ATL FM
