TANO SOUTH DISTRICT ASSEMBLY
SECOND TRENCH OF ACTION PLAN FOR THE ELIMATION OF WORST FORM OF CHILD LABOUR IN TANO SOUTH DISTRICT
GAOL: TO ELIMINATE WORST FORM OF CHILD LABOUR IN COCOA
GROWING SECTOR IN TANO SOUTH DISTRICT
BACKGROUND
In the Tano South District, Child Labour is prevalent and this can be traced to the dominance of Farming which forms over 60% of Economic Activities in the District. This has had enormous effect on child Education since most of the farming communities train and put their children in their Economic Activity (farming) right from their infancy especially where access to Educational facilities are not readily available.
In the light of the increasing concern shown by the International Community for the elimination of child labour on cocoa farms and also Ghana’s already established policy against child labour in all forms in the country, the Tano South District Assembly wishes to be at the forefront in this fight at the grassroots to nip the practice in the bud.
The District is therefore submitting this proposal for the consideration to help fight the Worst Form of child labour – particularly on cocoa farms in the country.
OBJECTIVES
1. To sensitize 10 communities about the evils and dangers of
Worst Form of Labour in the cocoa sector.
2. To develop and implement interventions to reduce the need for child labour
in cocoa.
3. Institute systems at community levels to mitigate the spate of
child labour.
4. To promote universal Basic Education and Human Resource development
among cocoa growing communities.
ACTIVITIES
1a. To organize durbars in 10 communities to educate parents on the harmful
effect of child labour.
1b. To meet teachers and student in the 10 communities to sensitize them
about WFCL.
1c. To meet identifiable Groups in the communities – eg, Female, Men, Girls
etc.
1d. To strengthen C.C.P.C in the 10 communities.
1e. To develop community action plan.
2a. To guide communities to prepare and implement community
bye – laws by 2009.
2b. To organize DCPC meetings to strategies on new
developments.
2c. To take data on chairman in each 10 communities.
2d. To sensitize people on Fms and Information centres.
3a. To sensitise the people to take their children to school.
3b. To identify needy children and ensure they are in school and
monitor their progress.
3c. To disseminate monitoring and Evaluation reports to
stakeholders.
3d. To establish Child Labour Monitoring System.
4a. To form Task force to enforce bye-laws against child labour and collate
community reports on worst form of child labour and child Trafficking in
cocoa growing areas.
4b. To organize WFCLC (DA) Committee meetings to strategies on new
developments.
MOFA: COCOABOD to advice and form policies such as sanctions against
farmers who go contrary to their policies.
SUSTAINABILITY
Ø 0.5% of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) to be allocated to the programme.
Ø Bye-laws to be strictly enforced through the institution of fines by the District Assembly.
Ø Evaluation exercises to be carried on by NPELC, Accra.
LIST OF DCPC MEMBERS IN THE
TANO SOUTH DISTRICT ASSEMBLY
| NO. | NAME | DEPARTMENT | TELEPHONE NUMBER |
| 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. | Hon. Bukari Zakari Anaba Mr. Daniel Osei-Asibey Mr. Owusu Daniel Mr. Abdulai S. Dapaah Mr. A. Boakye Akuoko Mr. K. Adomah A. SP, Mr. W. Y Avornu Mr. Robert Asiedu Ms. Julie Yaa Opokuah Mr. Alhassan Kasim Nana Yiadom Amankwah Mr. Frimpong K. Emmanuel Mr. Duut Bedina Mr. Joseph F. Obeng Rev. J. E. Dwomah Mr.Bernard Oduro Mr. Kwadwo Mensah Mr. Kwaku Kyeremeh | TSDA – DCE TSDA – DCD TSDA Focal Person TSDA – SWO TSDA – DPO Community Development Ghana Police Service Mofa Director GES Imam Representative Bechem Traditional Council SODIA (NGO) DDHS C.S.S.V.D Control Unit (Cocoa Service) Christian Councils of Churches Stistician GSS Director – NCCE Cocoa Lin.Buying Company | 0243136222 0208190651 0242101818 0245846125 0244465629 0243745362 0243838533 0243188606 0242118602 0243762603 0244986439 0208147381 0243176387 0244506084 0242003157 |
WORST FORM OF CHILD LABOUR IN COCOA GROWING AREA
LIST OF COMMUNITY CHILD PROTECTION COMMITTEES (C.C.P.C)
| NO. | COMMUNITY | NAME | VISITING DAY | TELEPHONE NO |
| 1. | Subriso | 1. Mr. Hon. Isaac Yaw Sarfo |
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| 2. Mr. Peter Akwasi Ofori | Tuesday | 0240842952 |
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| 3. Mr.Yaw Kunadu |
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| 4. Mr. Asumaila Mohamed |
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| 5. Mad. Elizabeth Brenya |
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| 2. | Tweapease | 1. Mr. Opoku Augustine |
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| 2. Mr.Alhassa Yusif |
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| 3. Mad. Agyeiwaa Belenda | Friday | 0248524938 |
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| 4. Mr. Kwakye Adu |
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| 5. Mr. Paul Kumah |
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| 3. | Akobro | 1. Mr.Ofori Hanna |
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| 2. Mr.Joshua K. Ntim |
| 0542389038 |
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| 3. Mr.Sampson Pepre |
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| 4. Mr. Nimo Ruth | Monday | 0241284343 |
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| 5. Mr.Idrusu Kramo |
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| 4. | Nkwakyire | 1. Mr.Amoah Isaac – Chairman |
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| 2. Mr.Adade Noah – Secretary |
| 0249937017 |
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| 3. Mr. Amoah David – Treasurer | Thursdays |
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| 4. Hon. K. B. Idrisu |
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| 5. Nana Barima Boahen |
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| 5. | Kofintekrom | 1. Mr.Yaw Amponsah - Chairman |
| 0246178450 |
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| 2. Mr.Samuel Gyamfi – Secretary |
| 0266025412 |
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| 3. Mr. John Kusi Appiah – Treasurer | Wenesday | 0246446143 |
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| 4. Mr. Akwasi Appiah |
| 0240347478 |
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| 5. Mr. Mensah Emmanuel |
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| 6. | Breme | 1. Nana Oppong |
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| 2. Mr. Osei Francis | Friday | 0246299582 |
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| 3. Mr.Asare Kwabena |
| 0249203615 |
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| 4. Mad. Agartha Nyarko |
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| 5. Mr. Kusi Johnson |
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| 7. | Mansin | 1. Hon. Isaac Kusi Amponsah |
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| 2. Mr. Nsiah Djan Alex |
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| 3. Mr. Sam Kumah |
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| 4. Nana Ofori Amamfo | Friday | 0242555903 |
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| 5. Mr. Emmanuel Ameyaw Ekumfi |
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| 8. | Kwasu | 1. Nana Boampong |
| 0285309232 |
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| 2. Mr.S. O. Manu |
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| 3. Mr. Obeng Boadi | Tuesday | 0209032211 |
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| 3. Mad.Theresa Fosua |
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| 4. Mr.Adade Samuel |
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| 5. Mr.Bashiru Dahamani |
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| 9. | Brosankro | 1.Nana Tweneboah Kodua – Chairman |
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| 2.Mr.James Osei Abebereseh – Secretary. | Tuesday | - |
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| 3 Hon. Barffour Awuah |
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| 4. Mad. George Manu Peperah |
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| 5. Mad. Cecilia Konadu |
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| 10. | Onwe Nwanta | 1. Mr. Abibu Mosah |
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| 2. Mad.Victoria Nkrumah |
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| 3 Mr.Polo Grusi | Friday | 0243254976 |
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| 4. Mr. Ocha Kwame |
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| 5. Mr. Sadick Abubacal |
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MINUTES OF FORMATION OF THE DISTRICT CHILD PROTECTION COMMITTEE (DCPC) HELD ON 13TH JANUARY, 2009 AT ASSEMBLY HALL.
MEMBERS PRESENT.
1. Hon. Osei Sekyere Bota - DCE
2. Daniel Osei Asibey - DCD
3. A Boakye Akuoku - DPO
4. Owusu Daniel - DBA
5. Supt. Samuel Obeng – Kyere - DSP
6. Kwadwo Mensah - NCCE (DD)
7. Rev.J . E Dwomo - CCC
8. Cat. C. O Amanfo - CC
9. Aziizu Issifu - SODIA
10. Mary Serebour - REP.CD
11. Samuel Ativi Kofi - REP.DSWO
12. Alhassan Kasum - REP.DCI
13. Wisdom Agdemenyo - REP.MOFA
14. Owusu Boateng Richard - NS
15. Duut Bedima - DHS
16. Joseph F. Obeng - CSSVD CONT. UNIT
17. Robert Agandaa - DPO
18. John Adjei - DFO
1.0 OPENING
TIME : 9.30AM
PRAYER :REV. J . E DWOMO
2.0 OPENING REMARKS.
The District Chief Executive welcome all invited Directors and other representatives. He went on to advise them to keep up with the dedication and hard work.
BUSINESS FOR THE DAY.
The D C E took chance to explain briefly the implementation of the National Programme for Elimination of the Child Labour in the Cocoa Sector (NPECLC ) which has give opportunity to Tano South District to be selected among the pilot Districts in the Country.
He again said, this programme has passed so many processes,selected Officers have been invited for Workshops,Meetings,and Trainings, which Budget Analyst is the Focal Person of the programme in this District.
According to the Ministry of Manpower,Youth and Employment (MMYE) who is championing this project has charged all selected Districts to form District Child Protection Committee (DCPC ) to meet regularly to oversee the implementation of the programme. He therefore, mentioned the membership of the DCPC and its responsibilities.
The District Coordinating Director took turn to give the guidelines of the programme, Funds and Logistics being provided by the NPECLC and promised to make sure that the counterpart funding from the Assembly would be given at the right time to sustain the Elimination of the Child Labour in the Cocoa Sector in the District.
After the speech of Director, District Budget Analyst who is the focal person also thanked them for coming and added some important points to what the first speakers said. He appealed to them not to dishonour invitations and be punctual too. He informed the members about the computer and accessories provided to the Assembly about two months ago by NPECLC and the next step to give out One Motor Bike, Ten Bicycles and funds to start the implementation of the project in the quarter of this year.
The focal person assured the members to be informed all details about the programme in the subsequent meetings.
CLOSING
The District Chief Executive inaugurated the committee and advised them to use their better experiences to oversee the implementation of the programme to achieve National
goal for better Ghana.
The meeting came to an end at 1:30pm with the closing prayer by Rev. J.E Dwomo.
RECORDED BY
OWUSU DANIEL
(FOCAL PERSON)
TANO SOUTH DISTRICT ASSEMBLY
WORST FORM OF CHILD LABOUR
MINUTES OF 2ND MEETING OF DCPC HELD IN
DISTRICT ASSEMBLY CONFERENCE HALL ON 14TH MAY 2009
ATTENDANCE
1. Mr. John Adjei
2. Mr. Maxwell Amponsah
3. Mr. Alhassan Kasum
4. Mrs. Mary Serebour
5. Mr. Robert Asiedu
6. Mr. Frimpong W. Emmanuel
7. Mr. Kwadwo Mensah
8. Mr. Samuel Ativi Kofi
9. Mrs. Juliana Yaa Opokuah
10. Mr. Wisdom Avormu
11. Mr. Nana Yiadom B. Amankwaa
12. Mrs. Comfort Pokuaa Enninful
13. Mr. Owusu Daniel
14. Mr. Boakye Akuoku
15. Mr. Abdulai S. Dapaah
16. Mr. Robert A. Agandaa
17. Mr. Duut Bedima
18. Mr. Joseph F. Obeng
19. Mr. Daniel Osei-Asibey
The meeting started at 11:30 am with opening prayer by Mary Serebour.
READING, CORRECTIONS AND ACCEPTANCE OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
The previous minutes were read through the necessary corrections were made. Mr. Kwadwo Mensah moved for acceptance of the minutes and was seconded by Miss Mary Serebour.
MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES
Mr. Kwadwo Mensah wanted to know whether the District Assembly has given its share of the Common fund towards the programme.
Mr. Owusu Daniel answered no, and stated that the programme was not included in the previous budget. He further stated that due to insufficiency of the District Assembly Common Fund no money has been release towards the programme. He finally stated that the District Coordinating Director has instructed adding to the next quarter budget allocations.
LOOKING AT THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
The formation of the DCPC was glance through and then followed by the responsibilities of the DCPC.
The meaning of child labour was defined by individual participants and the meaning was understood by everybody.
After going through the responsibilities of DCPC, participants were asked to bring their views on the responsibilities.
The town Planning officer wanted to know the clarification of points 3 and 4 of the responsibilities since both points spoke on provision of services by the DSWO.
In deliberation to know the difference it was known to be a duplication of functions both points were for a singular function.
A participant wanted to know where to report child labour case when he comes into contact with one.
The District Social Welfare Officer stated that anyone who comes into contact with such problem should first report to the police for an action to be taken. He further stated that if the person feels he/she cannot contact the police, he/she can report to any social welfare officer or CHRAS.
SELECTION OF COMMUNITIES
NCCE Director wanted to know the propose 10 communities selected.
Mr. Owusu Daniel stated that the communities were selected with the influence of the old District Chief Executive and for that matter, he would not make the communities selected known since the incoming District Chief Executive may also make some changes.
The selection of the communities arose argumentation but later resolved. One participant wanted to know whether in going to the communities, separate groups should be formed. ie women, children etc. The answer was yes. That the team will from time to time meet men, women, children to enable everybody express his /her views.
The problem of who should attend the communities arose. But Mr. Owusu said the motor can only carry two people and for that matter it will be himself and the District Social Welfare Officer who will attend the communities, when vehicle is given more members will be joined the group.
FORMATION OF CCPC AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CCPC
The formation of the CCPC was looked at ie the number of members to be chosen. It was agreed that the number representing each community child protection committee should not be more than 5.
Mr. Kwadwo Mensah stated that the selection of committee members should be done by the community members.
The responsibilities of the CCPC were also glance through.
ADVICE
The District Coordinating Director joined the meeting late and advice the DCPC to all involve in the implementation of the programme to a successful end.
The Town Planning Officer moved for the closing of the meeting and was seconded by Nana Yiadom Amankwaa.
The closing prayer was said by Miss Mary Serebour.
RECORDED BY
……………………………
DANIEL OWUSU
(DISTRICT BUDGET ANALYST)
TANO SOUTH DISTRICT REPORT ON WORST FORM OF CHILD LABOUR
COMMUNITY ENTRY
As part of activities to eliminate worst form of Child Labour in Cocoa in selected Communities, the community entry was necessary to sensitize the Community Members on the dangers of child labour.
The community entry started on the 27th May, 2009 as follows:
1. BREME
On the 27th May 2009, Breme Community was entered. During the entering the team met the opinion leaders of the Community and briefed them on the Programme. The people present include Nana Bremehene, Kwabena Agyemang (linguist), and Oppong Kyekyeku, Kwabena Asamoah (Unit Committee) Adomako Kwame (Secretary), Nana Victor (Kyidomhene and Kwabena Asare a Member of the opinion leader.
They were briefed on the Programme. After the briefing, the Nana Bremehene promised that the community will co-operate with the team to run the programme successfully. He added that the visit of the team to the community shall be regular.
He suggested that the team meet the whole community in a short possible time to educate them so that the election of the committee can be effected.
After that the team went to the school and spoke to the children and their teachers about the menace of the child labour. Most of the children asked questions and were clarified.
2. MANSIN
On the 28th May, 2009 the team visited Mansin on arrival, the team first contracted the Assemblyman of the area who later organized the elders and the opinion leaders of the community for the briefing.
After briefing the Odikro of Mansin and his elders they acknowledged the team and contributed that, their own children future that is the reason why the team have come to the Community and asked the Members of the Community to refrain from negative attitudes towards their children and allow them to be in classrooms during school days instead of taking children to farms.
3. KWASU
On the 29th of May, 2009 the team visited Kwasu. On arrival, the team asked of the Assemblymen who also organized the opinion leaders of the community. At Kwasu Twenty – Six (26) opinion leaders including the Kwasuhene, some Members of the unit committee and the Assemblyman were met for the briefing.
After the briefing questions and contribution were welcomed form the people. Most of them asked questions and others contributed to the importance of the programme and edge the inhabitants of Kwasu to embrace the programme to a successful implementation.
The elders welcomed the idea and were very happy to support the programme in the community.
It was also found that, though people don’t engage their children on child labour so far as Old Brosankro is concern, children do absent themselves from school on Mondays and Wednesday to enable them labour to get quick money instead of being in classroom. It was also found that the pupils of old Brosankro don’t stick to their book doing evening but rather attend to video shows and television Programmes.
4. OLD BROSANKRO
On the 1st. of June, 2009 the District Social Welfare Officer and the Budget Analyst of the Tano South District entered Old Brosankro to meet the Traditional Authorities.
At Old Brosankro, we meet the Odikro and some elders of the Community including teachers who were briefed about the worst form of child labour and the Government intervention to curb the menace.
5. DERMA NKWAKYIRE
On the 2nd June, 2009 the District Social Welfare Officer and the District Budget Analyst entered the Derma Nkeakyire Community. At Nkwankyire we first went to the school to meet the teachers since the opinion leaders were not organized,seven (7) teachers were met for discussion of the programme, the following problems were brought forward by the teachers.
- Children are over used by parents during evenings and mornings resulting lateness to school by children.
- Children are being used as baby care takers and therefore absent themselves form school.
- Parents encourage children to cultivate tomatoes instead of being in classroom.
- Most children lack tables and chairs.
- Most parents failed to provide their wards school needs e.g. Books, uniform etc.
- In cordiality in relationship between teacher and Community Members.
After that the opinion leaders were meet, Eight (8) Community Members were met including the unit commit chairman. In discussion with them, it was also found out that,
- Children have interest in attending school but the teachers are not given their best resulting parents removed of some children from the school. It was also pointed out by the community that the head teacher is a drunkard.
- The communities don’t visit the school regularly.
- Parents are unable to control their children.
6. TWAPEASE
The team entered the Twapease Community on the 3rd of June 2009.
During the 1st entry 5 opinion leaders and 7 teachers were met. The people were happy and promised given their best to implement the programme since they were problems in the community. These problems were:
- Teachers come to school late.
- Lack of teacher accommodation.
- Children traveled long distance to school.
- Most children graduate at P. 6 since there is no JHS.
- Parents should be encouraged to send P. 6 graduates to a nearby JHS.
- Low school attendance by children.
7. SUBRISO NO. 3
On the 4th of June 2009 Subriso was captured by the team. At Subriso, the Assemblyman (Isaac Yaw Osafo) was the first person to be contacted. He led us to the chief’s house where we briefed the chief and his elders about the package of the child labour and the need to collaborate with the community to eradicate the menace.
The Chief (Nana Wireko III) welcome the programme and stated some of the problems faced in the community. Among these are
- Children don’t like going to school but prefer labour themselves to get quick money
- Parents are unable to provide their children school needs i.e. books uniforms and table and chairs
- Some members of the community stressed the sentiment that teachers in the community are not seriously teaching
- On meeting the teachers, they emphases on the lack of teachers
accommodation ,low attendance rate during farming season especially the Northerners,enrotechment of school land and many others as the main problems they faced the school.
The teachers would be excited if the whole Communities are educated on the need to stop child labour and encourage children to attend school. It was therefore agreed that a day would be set aside to meet the whole community and educate them.
8. AKOBRO
Akobro community was visited on 5th.June, 2009 at about 6.30am.They
They were also briefed on the needs to allow our school going children to be in school instead of using them in our farms.
The people present at the visit include Daniel Mersah, I.K. Awauh, Sampson Peprah, Stephen Adu Gyamfi and Kofi Badu.
The opinion leaders of the Community were happy to hear of the programme since most parents have term dead ears to education of their children.
One of the opinion leaders stated that he has made several attempt to assists some children who don’t like attending school being in school have proved futile. On interacting with some of the children, revealed that, their parents failed to provide them with their school needs such as uniform,footweare,books bags and as result feel ashamed when they see their colleagues.
9. OWENKWANTA
On the 8th June 2009, Owenkwanta were visited. The team comprising the District Budget Analyst and the District Social Welfare Officer made a courtesy call on the Chief (Odikro), the Queen Mother and some opinion leaders of the Owenkwanta Community to brief them on the incoming programme of “Elimination of Worst Form of Child Labour in Cocoa” the elders of the Community welcome the programme with excitement. They Stated that, most parents after the is found on them ,when one tells the person he/she becomes inforrated and give out insults.
It was therefore agreed that on the 10th June, the Chief should organized his people to meet the facilitators to brief the whole Community.
10. KOFI NTAMKROM
On the 9th June, 2009, the team went to Kofintekrom near Derma. There we met the Unit Committee Chairman who organized the opinion leaders of the Community and were educated on the programme. They were very happy and promised to contribute their quota towards the successful implementation of the programme.
RECORDED BY
………………………………………
DANIEL OWUSU
(DISTRICT BUDGET ANALYST)
2ND ROUND
MEETING THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY AND FORMATION OF CCPCs
1. OWENKWANTA
On the 10th June, 2009 the team visited Owenkwanta for the 2nd time where a cross section of the Community were met. The community members including two teachers and the Odikro were briefed on the menace of child labour. People were made to understand the difference between child’s work and child labour. Various forms of child labour issues were discussed and these include child trafficking, hazardous work and many others.
In addition, the Community Child Protection Committee was formed. The Committee consisted five members namely: Daniel Agbavor, James Addai, Poloo, Akua Kunadu and Habibu Mahama.
The selected Committee was by the people present. The Committee promised cooperating with the District Child Protection Committee to implement the programme successfully.
2. OLD BROSANKRO
A cross section of the people of Old Brosankro Community were met on the 11th of June, 2009. This was necessary to brief the entire community members about the child labour issues to enable them stop using their children on their farms and allow them to be in school.
It was also important because of World Day against Child Labour which was also to be held at the same Community.
After educating the community on the dangers of child labour, most parents indicated that, the children in the community like attending video show and watching television in the night instead of attending to their books. Others also said, they have made all efforts to stop their children from labour for themselves but these have proved futile and therefore pleaded for the elders and the opinion leaders to enact bye-laws to restrict children to be in school and attend to their books at night.
The formation of the Community Child Protection Committee was left to Community to form and submit it to the team for Training.
3. TWEAPEASE
The team went to Twapease on the 16th of June, 2009 to meet entire Community. In fact on arrival at the Community there were no sign that the team had inform to opinion leaders that we were visiting them on that day. To our dismay, the one whom we communicated to tell the Community Chief failed to do so upon several calls to him. However, the team in assistance of the opinion leaders manage to gather the community members for the meeting.
The entire communities were educated on the issue of child labour and measures to eliminate Worst Form of Child Labour in the Community and the country at large.
The community was taken through Hazardous and conditional form of child labour such as child trafficking, abduction, child prostitutions etc. to Non Hazardous child labour such as asking a child to take care of the younger brother / sister instead of being in classroom during chausses hours.
The Community was also taken through the causes of child labour such as, poverty due to large number of children birth, teenage pregnancy,divorce / separation, incompatibility of parents and others.
Afterwards, the community chief thanked the team and said the committee would be formed in a due course and the names will be sent or communicated to the team.
4. DERMA NKWAKYIRE
On the 17th June, 2009 the team went to Derma Nkwakyire for the second visit. On that day, before the teams get to the community, the members were gathered especially the youth.
The Budget Analyst started educating Community on the issues of child labour and need to stop using our children in farming activities during school honour and allow them to be in school, majority of the community members started leaving the meeting and whespling to themselves we thought they were coming to give us loans or fertilizer and diction to use in our tomato farms”. Other said, “if I won’t send my child to school it is your problem”. So some of the youth left the scene.
After we have educated the rest of the members, they saw that Government is helping them to educate their children for their own betterment.
Most of the community members put allegation that, the teachers in the community refuses admitting 4 year old children and that had make it impossible to enroll the children in school.
They added that the teachers in the community are drunkard and have not been teaching resulting many parents withdrawing their children to Derma.
The chiefs and elders of the community were in extremely pleasure to see good implementation of the programme since the inhabitants of the community used their children any how and no one could say it.
The team ask the people of Nkwakyire to form a five member committee and forward the names to the team for training.
5. BREME
The meeting of the entire community members of Breme was scheduled
on the Thursday 18Th June, 2009.
During the arrival of the team, the chief of Breme had beaten a gongon
for all the inhabitant to gather. But this did not go down to the ears of
the members of the community as people failed to attend or gather at the meeting /durba grounds.
However, the chief manage to gather part of the community for the education. The people present included the Assemblyman, Unit Committee Chairman, Krontihene and some of the opinion leaders in addition to some of the youth and the teachers.
The focal person educated them through the meaning of child labour (worst form of child labour, the reason for eliminating this form of child labour, hazardous and now hazardous form of child labour and its effects on the child.)
The Social Welfare Officer educated the community on child trafficking, abduction, child prostitution, child bondage, causes of child labour and punishment under the Acts when one violates the laws.
The entire community were allow to ask questions for clarifications.
The community including the chief were asked to form the community child protection committee and forward the names to the team for training to start work in the community.
6. MANSIN
The team organized to meet the entire community on the 19th June 2009. Very early in the Morning that day, the team by the organization of the Assemblyman met the community members of Mansin at about 8:00 am. The community welcomes the team to start the programme, the team briefed the members on both hazardous and conditional form of child labour and ask the parents to help eliminate the worst form of child labour in Ghana.
Community members asked questions for clarification.
It was agreed that a five (5) member committee be formed and submit the names to DCPC for training.
7. AKOBRO
On the 22nd of June 2009, the team went to Akobro to meet the entire community. On the arrival of the team, the unit committee chairman had organized the community including the Nana Akobrohene.
The team spoke on the menace of child labour, the forms, causes and the effect it has on the individual, parents, community, the District and the county as a whole.
The community members ask questions for clarifications. They were also very happy to implement the programme to run successfully.
The community child protection committee was left for the opinion leaders to form and submit the list /names to the District Social Welfare /Budget Analyst for confirmation and training.
8. SUBRISO III
The team continued its education to Subriso III on the Tuesday, 23rd June 2009 which is the resting day for the community. On the arrival, the assemblyman and the unit committee chairman had organized the community members who had seated waiting for the arrival of the team.
The programme began at exactly 7:30 am prompt with an opening prayer by Hon. Isaac Yaw Sarfo.
The Budget Analyst commence the programme by educating the entire community on the menace of child labour, forms of child labour, and the need for eliminating child labour in the community and the nation as a whole.
After he had spoken, the community members were allowed to ask questions for clarification.
Inspite of this, the District Social Welfare Officer also spoke on the causes of child labour, its effect on the community and the country as a whole and the laws about child labour and trafficking. The community was permitted to ask questions for clarification.
The team therefore ask the community chief and his elders, the Assemblyman and the unit committee chairman to form the community child protection committee and submit the names to the team for confirmation and training.
Closing prayer was said by Isaac Yaw Sarfo.
9. KOFI NTAMKROM
Education on the elimination of worst form of child labour captured Kofi Ntamkrom on the Friday 26th June 2009. On that fateful day, the team met the entire community at about 7:30 am.
The team met the entire community at about 7:30 am.
In fact, at the arrival of the team there were no signs indicating that the community was receiving visitors for their own benefits upon several information/messages or calls made.
However, after the arrival, the chief beat gongon for the people to meet. Although the gathering of the people was not easy, the programme ended successfully. The programme started with a few people but by the end, the rest joined later to make the programme successfully.
After the team had spoken about the elimination of the child labour, the causes and the laws governing it questions were welcomed from the community. Their questions were answered and clarifications made for them to understand the importance of the programme.
The community were ask to form the community child protection committee and submit their names to the team for confirmation and training.
Most of the community members were excited to hear of the programme and pledge to work hard for the implementation of the programme in the community.
10. KWASU
The last community which the team visited for education on the Issue of worst form of child labour and formation of community child protection committee was Kwasu.
On the 30th of June 2009, at about 7:30 am the team met the entire members of Kwasu community, where they were educated on the various forms of child labour and its effects on the children, the parents, the community and the nation as a whole.
In addition, the community was educated on the punishment one may met in defaulting the laws on both child labour and trafficking by quoting section 94 of the Act 560 of 1998 and sections of Act 694 of 2005.
The community members ask questions for clarification. The community child protection committee which should not be more than five (5) members was left to the community to form and submit the name to the team for training.
RECORDED BY
…………………………………………….
DANIEL OWUSU
(DISTRICT BUDGET ANALYST)
TANO SOUTH DISTRICT ASSEMBLY
NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR ELIMINATION OF
WORST FORM OF CHILD LABOUR IN COCOA
REPORT ON TRAINING WORKSHOP ORGANIZED FOR COMMUNITY CHILD PROTECTION COMMITTEE ON 25TH AUGUST 2009 AT OLD DISTRICT ASSEMBLY CONFERENCE HALL
ATTENDANCE
About 60 participants
Hon. D.C.E
D.C.D
Facilitators from D A: D B A & S W O
And members from D C P C
Nelson Gyasi-Boadu (AID FOR CHANGE,GHANA)
Vincent Frimpong Manu (MESW/NPECLC,ACCRA)
Before the commencement of the programme the following were distributed to committees:
(a) Paper line note book to each participant
(b) Book files were given to each community to file official documents.
(c) Pens
The programme started at 11:00 am with an open prayer by Nana Ofori Amanfo.
This was followed by an introduction of both executive and participants of the programme.
After the introduction, there came a selection of course prefects.
Mr. Samuel Kuma was elected as Course Prefect and was assisted by Nana Boampong of Kwasu.
HISTORY OF IMPLEMENTATION OF WFCL
Participants were briefed on the history of implementation of Worst Form of child labour (WFCL) by Mr. Owusu Daniel. The District Budget Analyst. He spoke on the use of children on our cocoa farming which the European saw and decided not to buy Ghanaian cocoa simply because we use the children in producing the cocoa.
He added that, late 2000 and early 2001 came a research to find out whether it was true that we used the children in producing cocoa as indicated.
DCE /DCD WELCOME ADDRESS
The DCD welcome the participants officially to the workshop and edge participants to work deligently towards the implementation of the programme in the district to excel from all other districts.
He added that child labour affect the growth, development and education of children. He said if the programme is implemented it will help to improve the wellbeing of both the children and their parents.
The DCE after addressing the participants, said he does not see why we (parents) should sit down for someone to tell us what to do before “we” stick to the rights and responsibilities of our children.
He further stated that the committees are to serve as ambassador of the government to each community and therefore the welfare of successful implementation of the programme is under their care.
He emphasized that the programme shall not cover only cocoa growing areas but entire nation since parents use children across the whole country for different kind of work which is detrimental to the children.
He added that, he has confident on the committees and edge them to work deligently towards the successful implementation of the programme. He finally
declare that the committee have been officially inaugurated to start work on the communities.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF C C P C
The District Social Welfare Officer, Mr. Abdulai S. Dapaah, spoke on the responsibilities of the Community Child Protection Committees (CCPC). He stated that, some of the responsibilities of the CCPC include:,
1. Mobilization of the local communities to bring about change attitudes and
behaviours with regard to Worst Form of Child labour.
2. Development action plan.
3. Ensure the prevention of violence against children.
4. Ensure that all children of school going age are in school.
5. To constitute by–laws in the community.
6. Does community sensitization. I have to mention a few.
After the District Social Welfare Officer had spoken. There was a snack break for 30 minutes.
CONSTITUTION OF BYE-LAWS AND COMMUNITY DATA COLLECTION
Vincent Frimpong Manu from Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare /NPECLC – Accra took participants through the need for enactment /constitution of by-law in each community to facilitate the successful implementation of the programme.
He spoke on the need to banned school going age from attending cinema /video show in the community. He also spoke the need for every parent to send his /her school going age child to school.
In addition, he spoke on the data collection of each household to enable the identification of the most poor for recommendation for assistance.
He encourage the participants to be dedicated to their wok and see the work as voluntarily.
ACTIVITIES OF THE NOMINATED NGO
Nelson Gyasi-Boadu from AID FOR CHANGE, GHANA a non-governmental organization briefed the participants on the responsibilities of the NGO to the communities which has being chosen as pilot for elimination of Worst Form of child labour.
According to him, some of the responsibilities of the NGO include:
1. Community Mobilization
2. Strengthen Capacities of CCPC
3. Sensitization Awareness Creation
4. Social Identification and child Survey
5. Support Service Provision
6. Formation of Child Development Clubs
7. To Facilitate the Implementation of Community Action Plan
8. Focus Group Formation and Monitoring
9. valuation
QUESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PARTICIPANTS
Questions were welcomed from the participants for clarification.
Most of participants also contributed to the need to work hard towards the implementation of the programme.
COURSE PREFECT REPORT
The Course Prefect thanks the entire participants for accepting him as course prefect.
Secondly, he thanked the government for the initiation of the programme and also thanked the management of the programme and also promised that they will make sure they do the right thing concerning the protection of Children’s education, health and development.
Closing prayer was said by Nana Ofori Amanfo from Mansin.
Recorded By:
Daniel Owusu
(District Budget Analyst)
