The General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has intensified its campaign to eliminate child labour and forced labour nationwide.

As part of this initiative, a community fish farming project has been initiated in Torkor, in the North Dayi District of the Volta region.

The project, according to the general secretary of GAWU, Andy Tagoe, represents a shift from traditional fish farming methods.

According to him, instead of the usual dugout ponds, the fish will be reared in tarpaulin-made ponds, a more innovative and sustainable approach.

Mr Tagoe said the project is expected to yield significant financial benefits for the farmers. He projected that sales of catfish and tilapia from the farm could generate around GH₵4,000 every three months, leading to an estimated annual revenue of GH₵12,000.

He said many children in the district often skipped school to accompany their parents on fishing trips. To address this issue and ensure children stay in school, the alternative tarpaulin fish farming initiative has been introduced to parents in the district.

According to him, by using tarpaulin ponds for fish farming, families can manage their fish stocks locally without disrupting their children's education during the fishing season.

This initiative is part of broader efforts to prevent child labour and promote education, ensuring that children receive education while parents can still maintain their livelihoods.

This initiative, undertaken in partnership with the Danish Trades Union Development Agency (DTDA), aims to provide the community with the necessary resources to begin fish farming. GAWU and DTDA supplied key materials, including a scoop net, fish feed, and fingerlings.

Apart from that, GAWU also provided reflective jackets and identity cards to members of the Community Child Protection Committee (CCPC) in the North Dayi District. This distribution aims to bolster efforts in monitoring, educating, and rescuing children trapped in child labour.

The GAWU's General Secretary stressed the importance of sustaining efforts to fight child labour. He highlighted that these initiatives have already resulted in the successful rescue of several children, who have since returned to school.

Addressing common misconceptions, Mr Tagoe clarified that while GAWU is often associated with industrial actions, its core mission includes advancing children's welfare and promoting decent work practices.

The Chief Executive Officer of the North Dayi District, Edmund Atta Kudjo, praised GAWU for its consistent efforts to eradicate child labour over the past two years, which have led to the rescue of numerous children.

He also commended GAWU for extending support to all district residents, regardless of political affiliation.

A training workshop for journalists was also held during the event to improve their reporting on child labour issues.

Madam Lucy Baagyei-Danso, Vice President of the Social Mobilisation Partners Against Child Labour (SOMOPAC), urged journalists to visit communities affected by child labor to gather accurate information.

She also encouraged them to become familiar with child labor legislation to enhance the quality and impact of their reporting.

Madam Baagyei-Danso emphasised the importance of continued collaboration between journalists, communities, policymakers, and law enforcement in the fight against child labour.