The Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment has intensified calls for the establishment of a permanent, government-owned institutional framework to sustain Ghana’s Child Labour Free Zone (CLFZ) system beyond the lifespan of the current project.
Speaking at the 3rd Joint Coordinating Committee meeting in Accra, the Director of Labour and Employment, Sarfo Adu Amankwah, delivering remarks on behalf of the Chief Director, Hamidu Adakurugu, underscored the urgency of transitioning from implementation to sustainability as the project nears its conclusion in January 2027.
“With less than a year remaining, our focus must now shift to long-term sustainability, ownership, and autonomy,” he stated, emphasising that the initiative must be fully embedded within national systems rather than remain donor-driven.
He commended the progress made so far, citing strengthened systems for prevention, monitoring, and response, alongside improved coordination from national to community levels. Despite these gains, he acknowledged persistent challenges, including gaps in enforcement, documentation, and resource mobilisation. “These issues require deeper institutional collaboration and the integration of child labour interventions into district planning and budgeting processes,” he noted, stressing that sustainable financing and private sector participation will be critical to scaling and maintaining the initiative. He added that successes recorded in pilot districts demonstrate the practicality of the CLFZ model and its potential to become a nationwide standard that safeguards the wellbeing and future of every Ghanaian child.
A significant milestone was also announced at the meeting by a representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, who revealed the approval of Ghana’s first Child Labour Free Zone in the Subri Zone of the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality.
Describing the development as “historic,” the representative said it marks a decisive step in translating policy into tangible outcomes through strong collaboration among government, development partners, and local communities.
She explained that the CLFZ concept, introduced in 2018 under Ghana’s National Plan of Action II for the Elimination of Child Labour, has matured through sustained partnerships and field-level learning, culminating in this achievement.
Reaffirming continued support, the agency highlighted the importance of ensuring that the system becomes fully Ghanaian-owned as the project enters its final phase. “Our shared priority now is sustainability – building a system that will endure beyond this project,” she said. “We remain committed to supporting Ghana’s efforts until every child is free to learn, grow, and realise their full potential.”
