The Child Labour Quagmire in Ghana: Root Causes and Ephemeral Solutions

Abstract

This article examines the issue of child labour within Ghana’s cocoa industry, highlighting existing governance gaps and offering recommendations for improvement. Section 307 of the United States Tariff Act of 1930 prohibits the importation of goods produced through forced or indentured labour, including forced child labour, prompting collaborative efforts between the US Department of Labour, the Ghanaian government, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to eliminate child labour from Ghana’s cocoa production. These efforts are framed within the Harkin-Engel Protocol, a voluntary agreement aligned with ILO Convention 182, through which the US has provided US$24 million to support interventions in Ghana and Ivory Coast. Despite the Ghanaian government's consistent commitment, reflected in national development plans and interventions such as education, skills training, credit schemes, and rural development initiatives, significant challenges persist. Specifically, there are notable shortcomings in addressing the root causes of child labour, enforcing sanctions against exploiters, and supporting children already engaged in the worst forms of child labour. This article analyzes the nature of child labour in the cocoa sector and the persistent governance challenges, concluding with recommendations to strengthen ongoing efforts.