US signs landmark framework with Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and cocoa industry to combat child labour  

The US Department of Labor has announced the signing of a pivotal framework of action with the governments of Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and the World Cocoa Foundation, aiming to eradicate child labour in the West African cocoa sector.

Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, which together account for nearly 60 percent of the world’s cocoa production, have long grappled with the issue of child labour on cocoa farms. Despite notable progress, the practice persists, underscoring the urgency for sustained intervention.  

“This framework places the relevant national plans of action of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana at the centre of our work, while underscoring the critical role that companies play in promoting due diligence and transparency in supply chains,” said the Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs at the US Department of Labor, Thea Lee in a statement. “We are working together because we share a goal to end child labour as well as a common responsibility to improve the lives of vulnerable children, families, and workers.”  

Focus on root causes  

The newly established framework aims to tackle the root causes of child labour, such as poverty, limited access to decent work, inadequate social protection, and insufficient corporate accountability. Key components include:

- Expanding access to quality education and vocational training.  

- Strengthening social services and protections for cocoa-farming communities.  

- Empowering women, youth, and workers.  

- Enhancing child labour monitoring systems.  

The agreement emphasises a collaborative approach, with stakeholders including companies, workers, farmers, and civil society organisations expected to work in unison.  

Global support and local action  

The US Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, Jessica Davis Ba, hailed the initiative as a “moment of hope and opportunity,” while commending the leadership of Côte d’Ivoire’s First Lady, Dominique Ouattara, for her vision and commitment to transformative action.  

In Ghana, U.S. Ambassador Virginia Palmer reaffirmed the country’s dedication to the cause. “As the world’s second-largest producer of cocoa beans, we welcome the government of Ghana’s signing of this new framework and its commitment to work with stakeholders to address child labour including companies, workers, and the farmers producing the cocoa beans,” she said.  

Promoting accountability and transparency  

The framework also highlights the importance of amplifying the voices of farmers and workers. It seeks to foster regular dialogue with civil society organisations to ensure greater accountability and transparency in the cocoa sector.  

This collaboration represents a significant step in combating child labour, with a shared vision of improving the livelihoods of cocoa-farming communities and protecting the rights of vulnerable children across Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.