Solidaridad, in collaboration with the Minerals Commission of Ghana has inaugurated the National Partners Forum a high-level platform aimed at eradicating child labour in Ghana’s mining sector.
This high-level platform aims to bring together key stakeholders to collaborate on policy reforms and mobilize resources to implement the Child Labour Eradication Framework (CLEF). The initiative highlights Ghana’s commitment to eliminating child labour in its mining communities.
Speaking at the forum’s inauguration, Victor Astu Amekor, Assistant Manager for Small-scale and Industrial Mining at the Minerals Commission, highlighted the importance of unity in tackling child labour.
“Minerals Commission believes that addressing the menace of child labour in the mining sector requires sustained and collaborative efforts from all stakeholders.
“As a result, the commission remains committed to providing stewardship towards promoting good corporate governance that involves the interest of all actors, strengthening institutional and community capacity for the eradication of child labour in mining.”
Victor Astu Amekor, Assistant Manager for Small-scale and Industrial Mining at the Minerals Commission
The Minerals Commission will play a leading role in coordinating efforts and ensuring that institutional capacities are aligned with the CLEF’s goals.
The National Partners Forum is composed of 11 representatives from various sectors, including government agencies, civil society organizations, technical experts, and affected communities. The membership reflects a broad spectrum of expertise and influence, ensuring comprehensive and inclusive approaches to the issue.
The CLEF emphasized that addressing child labour requires strategic linkages among initiatives to create a coherent and scalable approach. It further stresses the importance of learning from successful interventions and integrating them into broader frameworks.
Solidaridad’s Commitment to Responsible Mining
Rosemary Addico, Programme Manager for Gold Programmes at Solidaridad, highlighted the significance of the forum in promoting responsible mining practices.
“Child labour not only robs children of their right to education and a safe childhood but also perpetuates cycles of poverty and exploitation within mining communities.
“At Solidaridad, we are committed to promoting responsible mining practices that are free from child labour, and this forum will play a vital role in bringing together stakeholders to address these critical issues collaboratively.”
Rosemary Addico, Programme Manager for Gold Programmes at Solidaridad
Moreover, Eric Amoako Agyare, Acting Country Representative for Solidaridad Ghana, reiterated the organization’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and responsible global gold value chain through the RECLAIM Sustainability! programme.
This initiative, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, targets child labour, fair value distribution, and environmental sustainability in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Sierra Leone.
“It is essential that we forge this strategic partnership to effectively address child labour in the mining sector,” Agyare remarked.
Child labour in Ghana’s mining sector is often driven by poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and weak enforcement of labour laws. By focusing on the worst forms of child labour, the forum seeks to break cycles of exploitation and poverty, ensuring children in mining communities have access to education and safe environments.
The forum’s launch aligns with Ghana’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8, which advocates for decent work and economic growth, and Goal 16, which focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.
The collaborative nature of the forum is expected to create a ripple effect, influencing broader policy discussions on child rights and labour issues.
The inauguration of the National Partners Forum marks a significant milestone in the fight against child labour in Ghana’s mining sector. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and fostering a unified approach, the forum is set to drive meaningful change and ensure the successful implementation of the Child Labour Eradication Framework.
As Solidaridad, the Minerals Commission, and their partners embark on this ambitious journey, their collective efforts signal a renewed commitment to safeguarding the rights and futures of children in mining communities across Ghana.
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