COCOBOD organises workshop on child labour

Dadiesoaba (B/A) April 7 GNA - The Quality Control Division of Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod) has held a sensitization workshop on the child labour law for cocoa farmers in some selected communities in Asutifi District of Brong Ahafo. The workshop, sponsored by Cocobod, was aimed at formulating plans and strategies that could help to eliminate child labour on cocoa farms. In an opening address, Mr. Peter Sekyim, Brong Ahafo Regional Manager of the Division, emphasised the need for children to be nurtured to become physically, mentally and intellectually sound. He called for the enforcement of existing laws to reduce or eliminate all forms of child labour on cocoa farms, as well as cultural practices proven to be detrimental to the well being of children. On their produce, Mr. Sekyim advised the farmers to allow their cocoa beans to ferment for at least six days before drying them to ensure their good quality.

The Regional Manager advised them to use only recommended agro-chemicals like Confidor 200, Actara and Akate Master in the fight against the Capsid disease on cocoa.

Mr. Bernard Brown, Goaso District manager of the Division, said the introduction of a new grading system to detect purple cocoa beans was to streamline the internal controls in the cocoa industry. Mr. Francis Forfoe, district welfare officer, underscored the promotion of widespread acceptance and observance of the convention on the rights of the child and enforcement of the Children's Act of 1998. He advised parents to enroll their children in schools to enable them to become responsible citizens in future.