The Programmes Director of Challenging Heights, a non-profit organisation, Enock Dery Pufaa has called on the government of Ghana to strengthen its child protection mechanisms to help fight child labour.

According to him, if jobs ,employment and income generating capacities of families are put in place children are less likely to fall victim to child labour.

"Research estimates that 21% of children between the ages of five and seventeen are engaged in child labour and another 14.2% are involved in hazardous forms of child labour,"he said.

Mr Enock Dery made these remarks at a gathering to commemorate this year's World Day Against Child Labour in Tamale.

The Programmes Director said all stakeholders need to rekindle their commitment in the fight against child labour and also call for a long-term plan in fighting the canker.

"Challenging Heights conducted a research on the state of child labour on the fishing industry with findings that over 60% of children living in the Volta Lake area are engaged in child labour. All stakeholders must work together to eradicate it. Government must have a long-term plan to combat the canker,"he said.

The Head of Anti-Child Trafficking Unit at the Northern Regional Headquarters of the Ghana Police Service, DSP William Ayariga, said it is essential for the government to strengthen existing laws and policies to ensure child labour is comprehensively addressed.

He called for the sensitisation of families and children about child labour.

"The government must live by example hence it is essential to strengthen existing laws and policies to ensure they are comprehensive and effectively address child labour issues in the country.

The Acting Northern Regional Labour Officer, Mustapha Alhassan, said they are making progress in terms of the sensitisation adding that their major challenge is lack of Resources. "We sensitise communities on the issue just to eradicate it. However we are challenged with resources and have to always call on government to resource the necessary agencies to work".

The Paramount Chief of the Choggu Traditional Area, Naa Mahamadu Alhassan reiterated the need for traditional authorities to be committed to the eradication of child labour in the region.

"How much will you gain from child labour? We will continue to fight it as chiefs till the end."