The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has reaffirmed its strong commitment to eradicating child labour in cocoa-growing communities, calling for intensified collective action to protect children and keep them in school.
In a statement marking the 2026 World Day Against Child Labour on June 12, COCOBOD emphasised that children should be focused on learning and developing their talents rather than engaging in hazardous work that threatens their health, safety, and education.
The Board joined the global observance under the theme “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults,” describing it as a powerful call for governments, businesses, communities, and families to work together to address the root causes of child labour.
COCOBOD noted that protecting children must go hand in hand with improving livelihoods for adult farmers, especially in rural communities where poverty and household vulnerability remain major drivers of child labour.
As the regulator of Ghana’s cocoa sector, the Board said it remains dedicated to ensuring cocoa production respects children’s rights and promotes their welfare.
The Board highlighted significant progress made through collaboration with government institutions, development partners, cocoa buying companies, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, and farming communities. These efforts have increased awareness, strengthened child protection systems, improved access to education, and provided greater support for vulnerable households.
Key measures being implemented include farmer education programmes, child protection initiatives, livelihood support projects, and educational assistance schemes. The Cocoa Management System is also helping to improve traceability, sustainability, and responsible production practices across the cocoa value chain.
COCOBOD further pointed to its productivity improvement programmes, free input support, farm rehabilitation projects, and farmer welfare interventions as important steps toward boosting household incomes and reducing the economic pressures that lead to child labour.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to meeting international sustainability and human rights standards as Ghana prepares for the full implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation in December 2026.
While acknowledging that challenges remain, COCOBOD called on parents, teachers, community leaders, farmer groups, licensed buying companies, development partners, and the media to play their respective roles in protecting children and promoting education.
“Together, we can accelerate progress and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and achieve their full potential,” the Board stated.
