The Offinso Municipal Assembly, in partnership with Winrock International with funding from the United States Department of Labor, organized a successful event in Amoawi to commemorate the World Day Against Child Labour which occurs on the 12th June every year. The celebration aimed to raise awareness and take decisive action against child labor in the cocoa supply chain. The theme for this year’s event was “Intensify Action Against Child Labour. Do it Now! Do it Fast!” The program included a radio show, a float parade, and a community durbar, all focused on engaging the community and promoting the eradication of child labour.
Prior to the event, a radio programme was held on Friday 9th June, 2023 at Time FM (105.3) in Offinso. It featured discussions on child labor’s impact and the urgent need for action. Officials from Winrock International, the Municipal Child Protection Committee (MCPC) , and Offinso Fine Flavour Cocoa Cooperative and Marketing Society shared their insights and experiences. On the morning of Tuesday 13th June, 2023, a lively float parade traversed the streets of Offinso, starting from Newtown Post Office through Kokote to Amoawi community displaying impactful banners, placard messages and imagery denouncing child labor. The parade attracted broad participation from Community Child Protection Committee (CCPC) members, school children, teachers, MCPCs, friends from the media and some community folks.
The event’s centerpiece was the community durbar, bringing together stakeholders, community leaders, and government officials. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions on strategies and actions to combat child labor effectively. Speeches, goodwill messages, choreography, poetry recitals, drama, presentations, and testimonials highlighted successful initiatives and stressed the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding children’s rights.
In addition to the event activities, Winrock International represented by Mr. Yapel Fidelis with support from Hon. Kingsley Owusu-Appiah, Municipal Chief Executive and Nanahemaa of Amoawi donated three(3) motor tricycles to three communities: Amoawi, Kyebi, and Abofour. These tricycles will facilitate transportation and improve accessibility within the communities, supporting their efforts to combat child labor and promote sustainable cocoa cooperatives.
The World Day Against Child Labour celebration in Amoawi showcased the commitment of the Offinso Municipal Assembly, Winrock International, MCPC, CCPC, Cocoa Cooperatives and their partners to intensify efforts against child labor. The event successfully raised awareness, encouraged dialogue, and inspired action towards eradicating child labor from the cocoa supply chain. Through collective action, we can create a future where all children can thrive, free from the burdens of child labor.
For more information on ongoing initiatives and resources related to child labor eradication, please visit [www.winrock.org or 0244751641/0242758727].
