ActionAid Ghana Launches ARCH Project to Tackle Child Labour in Cocoa Communities

ActionAid Ghana, in collaboration with ActionAid UK, has officially launched the “Advancing Rights and Combatting Child Labour in Cocoa Value Chains in Ghana (ARCH)” project in Goaso in the Bono Region.

The launch brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from DOVVSU, Social Welfare, the Department of Cocoa Cooperatives, CHRAJ, the Department of Gender, Cocoa Women Farmers Associations, civil society organisations, and traditional authorities. The event created a platform for dialogue, partnership, and renewed commitment to addressing child labour in cocoa-growing communities.

Funded by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Foundation and the Postcode Lottery, the one-year project is valued at £100,000 and will be implemented across Dormaa Central, Dormaa West, Asutifi North, and Asutifi South districts in the Bono and Ahafo Regions.

In West Africa alone, particularly Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, recent studies by the National Opinion Research Centre (NORC) of the University of Chicago estimate that about 1.56 million children are engaged in child labour in cocoa-growing areas.

In Ghana’s cocoa-growing communities, the situation is equally concerning. Evidence shows that over 55% of children aged 5–17 in cocoa-producing areas are engaged in some form of child labour, often combining school attendance with hazardous farm work.

Delivering the welcome remark at the launch, the Head of Programmes, Campaigns and Innovation, Justin Bayor (Esq) reiterated that “Child labour in Ghana’s cocoa sector is not just a development challenge—it is a fundamental human rights issue. Through the ARCH project, we are working with communities, farmers, and duty bearers to tackle the root causes, strengthen child protection systems, and ensure that every child in cocoa-growing areas is free to learn, grow, and thrive. Sustainable change will only happen when those most affected are empowered to lead it.”

The ARCH project aims to contribute to a 20% reduction in child labour by strengthening community-based child protection mechanisms and deepening awareness and implementation of Ghana’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP-BHR). By working closely with communities, state institutions, and civil society actors, the project seeks to address the root causes of child labour while promoting responsible practices within the cocoa value chain.

Speaking at the launch, the Ahafo Regional Minister, Mrs. Charity Gardiner, commended the initiative, describing it as both timely and necessary.

“This intervention comes at a critical time for the region. It will not only help us mitigate child labour issues but also strengthen our systems to ensure that children are protected and able to fully enjoy their rights,” she noted.

Her remarks underscored the importance of coordinated efforts in addressing child labour and ensuring that development within the cocoa sector does not come at the expense of children’s wellbeing.

Other state institutions, including DOVVSU, Social Welfare, and the Department of Gender, also commended the initiative and expressed the need for sustained and expanded interventions to accelerate progress towards eliminating child labour in the region.

The launch marks a significant step in advancing ActionAid Ghana’s continuous commitment to social justice, child protection, and the promotion of equitable and sustainable livelihoods for communities.

As implementation begins, the ARCH project is expected to drive stronger collaboration between government institutions, communities, and partners—ensuring that every child in cocoa-growing areas has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

Written by Jacqueline Parditey.