On Thursday, June 12, 2025, GREL commemorated the World Day Against Child Labor at Division 5 (Nsuaem), reiterating its dedication to protecting children’s rights and upholding ethical standards. The event focused on raising awareness among plantation workers about the dangers of child labour and featured the official launch of Divisional Anti-Child Labour Vigilance Committees, an initiative aimed at reinforcing prevention and response efforts across GREL’s operational areas. The program opened with a prayer, followed by a welcome address by Mr. James Nii-Akai Adoboye, who emphasized the fundamental importance of upholding children’s rights and highlighted how violations such as child labour negatively affect not only the lives of children but also the broader ethical and operational integrity of the company.
The highlight of the event was an educational presentation by the Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare, who provided a clear definition of child labour. He described it as work that deprives children of their right to education, hampers their physical development, and endangers their physical, mental and psychological health; as well as their dignity. He clarified that children under the age of 15 should not be engaged in any form of labour, particularly on plantations, where tasks like weeding and other duties are considered harmful. For youth between the ages of 15 to 17, working in hazardous environments remains strictly regulated and must not at the expense of school hours. He also emphasized that even domestic chores should be limited to a maximum of three hours outside school hours, in line with Ghana’s Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560).
The session brought up meaningful dialogue, as staff members actively engaged the social welfare and labour officers in a Q&A session, deepening their understanding of the subject and its legal implications.
Present at the event was Nana Kwesi Agyeman IX, Paramount Chief of the Lower Dixcove Traditional Area, Nsuaem Chieftaincy Representative, Nana Kesse, Mr. Jonathan Djan Gyau, Regional Director for Social Welfare, Mr. Clement Peprah a representative from Labour Department. Mr. James Nii-Akai Adoboye, NOM- Northern Estates, Mr. Kobena Acquaye – NOM-Southern Estates, Community Relations Managers, Mr. Jude Fiifi Cudjoe and Mr. Peter Chibueze Kofi Atuora.
