Over 458,000 Children Drop Out of School Due to Child Labour in Ghana
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has raised serious concerns over the growing number of children in Ghana who are being pushed into labour instead of attending school.
The Commission warns that the situation threatens the country’s development and social progress.
According to the Commission, child labour continues to deprive thousands of children of their fundamental rights, including access to education, protection, development, and a safe and dignified childhood, despite existing legal safeguards.
CHRAJ made the remarks in a statement issued to mark the 2026 World Day Against Child Labour.
It stressed that the fulfilment of children’s rights remains one of the clearest measures of a nation’s commitment to human dignity and social justice.
The Commission noted that the problem persists even though Ghana has strong legal frameworks, including the 1992 Constitution, the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), as well as international commitments such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
It further warned that child labour remains a major barrier to education and national development, describing the situation as “deeply concerning.”
Citing global figures, CHRAJ indicated that about 138 million children are engaged in child labour worldwide, with nearly 54 million involved in hazardous work conditions that pose serious risks to their safety and wellbeing.
In Ghana, the Commission referenced data from the Ghana Statistical Service showing that more than 1.1 million children between the ages of 5 and 17 were engaged in economic activities in 2023. Out of this number, over 458,000 children were not attending school.
“Alarmingly, over 458,000 of these children were not attending school,” the statement said, adding that this reflects a troubling reality where many children are being denied opportunities that could shape their future and help break the cycle of poverty.
CHRAJ warned that the continued neglect of the issue could deepen inequality and undermine long-term national development. It therefore called for renewed national commitment under the theme “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults.”
The Commission urged stronger enforcement of laws and policies, as well as targeted interventions to address the economic and social conditions that expose children to exploitation.
It emphasized that child labour is not only a social challenge but also a clear violation of both national and international human rights obligations. CHRAJ stressed that urgent action is required from all stakeholders to ensure that every child in Ghana is protected and given the opportunity to access education and a better future.
