The 2023 Annual Household Income and Expenditure Survey by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) indicates that over 1.1 million children aged 5 to 17 years were involved in different forms of work in the fourth quarter of 2023.
According to GSS, among these children, about 893,000 were involved in employment work, which is mostly paid work.
Government Statistician Prof Samuel Kobina Annim in a release to mark the World Day Against Child Labour, explained that more of the children who were involved in different forms of work are males with 56%. Half a million (458,443) of these working children are not attending school.
He furthered that urban areas account for over 309,199, representing 28% of the working children, while rural areas contribute significantly with 795,175, totaling 72%.
From a regional perspective, Prof Kobina Annim said Ashanti Region accounts for the highest percentage with 13.6%, followed by Bono East contributing 12.1%. On the other hand, the Ahafo, Greater Accra and Western North regions recorded the lowest percentages with 0.8%, 1.6% and 1.8% respectively.
In addition, he revealed the services sector employs 91.7% of the working children, while agriculture and industry engaged 4.8% and 3.6% respectively.
Source: Kasapafmonline.com/Akokoraba Nyarko
