Major Causes of Child Labour Among School Childern in the Kete-Krachi District

Abstract

In Ghana, about 20% of school children are involved in some form of child labor. In the Oti Region of Ghana, the Kete-Krachi district has the highest prevalence rate of about 39% compared to 33.2% for the whole region. This paper investigates the major causes of child labor among School children in the Kete-Krachi district of the Oti Region. The study examined 145 respondents through questionnaire and interviews. The research design for the study was both quantitative and qualitative. The respondents comprised 60 JHS social studies teachers, 60 Victims of child labor, 15 parents or guardians of the victims of child labor and 10 stakeholders of education. Data analysis showed that 67% of the victims were from large families of five or more. It was found out that some of the victims worked to contribute to their own welfare. Others worked due to poverty. Some victims also work to promote their education. It was also observed that teachers, opinion leaders, NGOs and the Government should help in the eradication of the menace in Kete-Krachi area.