Rashid Pelpuo: Labour Minister Designate calls for criminalisation of child labour

The Minister Designate for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has stressed the need to eliminate child labour from the country’s workforce and classify it as a criminal offence.

He noted that in many cases, parents involve their children in their work, citing the example of a plumber who may ask his child to carry tools during holidays. "It is a work culture that has progressed into present working conditions," he stated.

Dr Pelpuo made these remarks during his vetting before the Appointments Committee in Parliament.

He explained that criminalising child labour would serve as a deterrent, preventing individuals from involving children in labour-intensive work.

"I will make sure it becomes a priority area in my commitment to create any value at the ministry," he added.

Dr Pelpuo stated that he would re-examine the Ghana Accelerated Action Plan Against Child Labour (2023-2027) and, if necessary, review and implement it accordingly.

This was in response to a question about the strategies he would adopt to ensure the country achieves the plan's objectives.