Examining Child Labour in Stone Quarrying in the GA West Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

Child labour is a complex social problem worldwide, affecting the physical, moral and educational development of children. A cross sectional quantitative survey research design was used to assess child labour in quarrying activities of the Ga West Municipality, Ghana. The municipality was selected due to evidence in literature of children engaging in quarrying activities. The study examined child labour occurrence and intensity, the working condition of child labourers in the stone quarries; factors influencing child labour in quarrying activities; and the impact of quarrying activities on children. Data which were analysed using probit model and descriptive statistics indicated a negative effect of stone quarry activity on the development, growth and education of the child. Significant influencers were poverty, attitude and poor perception of parents, broken homes, traditional belief systems and migration. The study recommends offering educational support, grants and essential resources to vulnerable households in order to ensure that children remain in school.