Over 60 percent of children in the three Northern Regions have never been to school. Another 27.2 percent of children under 15 years work for salary, profit or family gain in contravention of the Children’s Act of 1998. Dr Angel-Ofori Atta, deputy Minister of Manpower Development and Employment disclosed this at the launching of a report on child labour survey in the country.

According to the deputy Minister, the survey also found that about 31.3 percent of children between 5 and 17 years are engaged in economic activities.

Dr Ofori-Atta said the proportion was higher in rural areas then urban areas adding that the majority of children working do combine work with schooling and that had invariably affected their school performance.

Over 80 percent of children who are not in school are between five and 14 years and are engaged in unpaid family work. Dr Ofori Atta called for a review of the Children’s Act, to incorporate a legislation for a maximum of four hours of work per day, beyond what she said ''children less than 15 years could be said to be exposed to exploitation''.