Source: ILO 2011: Yen Daakye (YDK) Most Significant Change Stories
The ILO estimates that some 215 million children are trapped in child labour. In Ghana, about 3million children are estimated to be involved in hazardous work. Many of these children work long hours, often in dangerous conditions. More than half of child labourers worldwide-an estimated 115 million--are involved in forms of employment that are likely to harm their health, safety or morals.
A decade ago, Comfort Nuamah, a grade three (3) pupil of Wuruyie Primary School in the Adansi South District of Ashanti Region in Ghana, went to support her parents on their farm but did not return; on her way to the farm, she was attacked and bitten by a cobra. After several attempts by traditional healers, her mother insisted that she should be taken to the hospital but unfortunately Comfort died on the way. "On that day, the whole community was thrown
into pain and sorrow because Comfort was such a promising child who respected and honoured everybody especially the aged”.
Sumaila is a dark and lanky fourteen-year-old from Dakeo, in the Upper East Region who lost both parents at a very tender age. Sumaila had no choice but to start working in the market after school and during weekends, carrying head-loads and doing other piecework from which he bought himself a new uniform and some basic school supplies. Soon afterwards, the household that was looking after him stopped feeding him, presuming that he could now earn an income. Increasingly, he would leave for school without breakfast. Hungry and weak after school, he would head for the market to carry loads for a tip. After a year or so, he finally gave up on his schooling to work full timeand now lives on the street. He earns just enough for his immediate needs - between GHc2 and Ghc5 a day, he is saddened when he sees his former school mates, because he knows they have a bright future ahead. Sumaila observes: "Some of the older porters in the market can not longer carry loads and have become dependent on the benevolence of others. That means I may find myself in that situation in future if I do not return to school . But the question is who will support me in school?
There are countless numbers of such stories all over the world of children losing their lives, being deformed or suffering other health casualties because of their involvement and engagement in hazardous labour activities.
On the commemoration of World Day against child labour the YDK Movement- a not for profit non-governmental social organisation committed to fighting for the rights of children, drawing attention to the need to prioritise children’s needs shares the story of Comfort.
YDK Movement is committed to working with the ILO, and other institutions in and out of Ghana to reduce the number of children who are trapped working in hazardous labour
You can join, support the YDK Movement by sending an email to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Also visit the YDK website to find out more about the movement at www.yendaakye.org
