Farmers advised against engaging children in agro-chemicals application

Farmers have been advised against engaging their children in the application of fertilizer and agro-chemicals that would expose them to health dangers.

Mr Thomas Ampem, Ahafo-Ano North and South District Extension Coordinator of the Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease Control Unit (CSSVDCU) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), said the COCOBOD would take adequate measures to prevent children from engaging in “on-farm hazardous activities”.

He was speaking at a rally held to create awareness about the dangers of child labour at Domeabra.

The event that was organized by the CSSVDCU and the Quality Control Company of the COCOBOD, formed part of the drive eliminate worst forms of child labour in cocoa growing communities.

Mr Ampem asked the farmers to enroll their children in school, provide them with their basic needs, and visit schools to interact with teachers and find out the performance of the children.

Mr George Adusei, Quality Control Officer of the COCOBOD for the area, blamed the growing waywardness among the youth on the failure of parents to live up to their responsibilities.

Many of the parents, he said, were not doing enough to protect their children and give them and social security.

The District Social Welfare Officer, Mr Osei Kuffour, said the fight to eliminate child labour must begin from the individual homes.

Source: GNA