The Adansi North District Assembly has announced plans to launch joint operations with security agencies to enforce bye-laws aimed at protecting children from child labour and other harmful activities across the district.
District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr. Charles Kofi Ogbeh, disclosed the move during the commemoration of the 2026 World Day Against Child Labour at Akrokerri, where he warned that minors involved in illegal mining, commercial motorcycle operations (Okada), and betting activities would face arrest and prosecution.
According to him, motorbikes operated by children below the age of 18 would also be confiscated as part of measures to curb child exploitation and safeguard their future.
Mr. Ogbeh stressed that eliminating child labour required a united effort from traditional leaders, assembly members, unit committee members, parents and community stakeholders, particularly in cocoa-growing and mining communities where children remained at risk.
The event, organised by the Adansi North District Assembly through its Department of Social Welfare, was held on the theme: “Red Card to Child Labour, Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults.”
Speaking at the programme, Mr. Midas Nkuah, Head of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, described child labour as any economic or non-economic activity that undermined a child’s education, health and physical development.
He urged residents to report parents and guardians who engaged children in exploitative labour practices to enable authorities to take the necessary action.
Mr. Nkuah, however, clarified that children could assist with age-appropriate household chores such as sweeping, fetching water and washing utensils under parental supervision.
The event commenced with a float through the principal streets of Akrokerri, where participants carried placards advocating the protection of children’s rights and calling for an end to child labour.
Representing the Queenmother of Adansi Akrokerri, Nana Serwah Brewah II, Nana Ama Yiwah, Gyasehemaa of Akrokerri, pledged the support of traditional authorities in the fight against child labour.
She urged parents to prioritise the education and welfare of their children and cautioned against involving school-age children in cocoa farming activities during school hours.
Nana Ama Yiwah noted that investing in children’s education remained the most reliable path to securing a better future for families and communities.
