Kumasi, July 27, GNA - Research conducted by Child Research for Action and Development Agency (CRADA), a child advocate non-governmental organisation (NGO) in four districts in Ashanti has revealed alarming rates of child labour in those districts. The districts are Bosomtwe-Atwima-Kwanwoma, Atwima-Mponua, Kwabre and Kumasi metropolis.

This came to light at a day's capacity building workshop organised by CRADA under the theme, "Strengthening Human Resource to Combat Child Labour in Ashanti Region," in Kumasi on Tuesday. The research showed that during the peak periods of the fishing season in the Bosomtwe-Atwima-Kwanwoma district, 60 per cent of children stay out of school permanently or for most parts of the week and 40 per cent report at school at most three times a week.

Sixty-four per cent of children are engaged in pottery and brick making, washing of vehicles, hunting and farming in the two Atwima districts.

Another survey conducted by the Ghana Statistical Services (GSS) on children indicates that two out of every five children aged five and 17 years have engaged in economic activities before and a higher proportion in rural areas.

Mr. Joseph Owusu, a research officer at CRADA and also facilitator of the project, said child labour poses a threat to the development of the country and perpetuates poverty since children who engage in child labour grow with adults trapped with unskilled and less paid jobs. He therefore called for collective pursuit from district assemblies, political leaders, schools, religious bodies, media and other opinion leaders to help end child labour.