Code of Practice launched to eradicate Child, Forced Labour in fisheries sector
The Ghana Employers’ Association (GEA) in collaboration with key stakeholders has launched a Code of Practice and action plan aimed at eliminating child labour, forced labour, modern slavery, human trafficking in the fishing sector of Ghana.
The Chief Executive Officer of GEA, Alex Frimpong, emphasised the urgency of addressing those issues since they have become prevalent in the industry.
"We realised that in the fishing sector, issues such as forced labour, child labour, modern slavery and human trafficking have become prevalent. So, we decided to help resolve those issues by working together with stakeholders in the fisheries sector, especially the National Fisheries Association of Ghana (NAFAG)," he said.
He further explained that the Code of Practice represented a practical framework designed to guide, educate and support employers in the fishing sector to align with both national and international labour standards.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic after the programme, Mr Frimpong highlighted that the new code of practice was designed “for all persons, businesses engaged in any economic activity within the fisheries sector”, he said.
The event, which took place last Tuesday, was attended by representatives from the Fisheries Commission, Trade Union Congress, NAFAG, Labour Department, the Ghana Maritime Authority and ILO.
Importance
The Deputy Executive Director of Fisheries Commission, Dr Eric Kobbina, emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in addressing the crisis.
"Even though we have relevant stakeholders, this fight is a shared responsibility, and we all have a role to play," he said.
He referenced research findings from a U.S. Aid-funded project, which revealed that 35 per cent of trafficked boys suffered injuries, near-drowning, or death due to hazardous fishing conditions.
"Every child in Ghana has certain basic fundamental human rights, which are enshrined in the 1992 Constitution," Dr Kobbina added. "It is thus disheartening that sometimes we see children in these situations, often due to economic hardship or socio-cultural circumstances."
He further mentioned that the Ministry of Fisheries and the Fisheries Commission have a Child Labour and Trafficking Strategy aimed at preventing and eliminating those practices.
However, the challenges persist despite existing regulations.
"That is why we appreciate the steps taken by the Ghana Employers Association. Our efforts alone are not enough; we need collaboration to address this problem head-on," he said.
Dr Kobbina reiterated that the newly launched code of practice not only sets guidelines for ethical labour practices in the fisheries sector but also emphasises the need for enforcement.
He called on relevant authorities to ensure that individuals who violate the code are held accountable.
"With the collaborative efforts of all relevant stakeholders, especially those within the criminal and juvenile justice system, we must make sure that those who contravene this code are brought to book in accordance with the laws of Ghana," he said.
