Upholding the rights of children in developing countries : the case of child labourers in Ghana

Abstract

Child labour is a widespread phenomenon that continues to attract worldwide attention. The nature of child labour differs across cultures, regions and continents. In industrialized economies, children undertake minor chores in the house to assist their parents or work in order to acquire luxury goods such as toys and other consumables. On the contrary, children in developing countries work in order to contribute financially to the welfare of the entire household. Ghana is one of the countries struggling with child labour. Despite government and NGOs efforts at eliminating child labour, the problem still persists. This study revealed that even though the will to eliminate child labour is there, government and other organizations are constrained by lack of resources. What specific roles have government and other organizations played in eliminating this problem from the country? What steps can be taken to solve the problems that come along with child labour? These are the research questions of the study. At the end of the study, results indicated that poverty is the main determinant of child labour in Ghana. Factors such as traditional beliefs and practices, gendered roles in the household, child fosterage, illness and death of parents are also found to cause child labour.