Ghana declares first child labour-free zones in landmark partnership with JICA

The Government of Ghana has officially declared three cocoa-growing communities in the Ashanti and Western North Regions as the country’s first Child Labour-Free Zones (hereinafter “CLFZs”), a landmark achievement made possible through the partnership between the Government of Ghana, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), local authorities, communities and other development partners.

The declaration marks a major milestone in Ghana’s implementation of the CLFZs model and reflects the long-standing collaboration between the Government of Ghana and JICA to build sustainable community systems that protect children from labour and ensure their access to quality education.” Delivering his remarks, Mr Uchiyama Takayuki, Chief Representative of JICA Ghana congratulated the Government of Ghana and all stakeholders, describing the declaration as a defining moment and a significant step towards communities where every child can learn, grow and realise their full potential free from child labour.