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, the KeteKrachi district has the highest prevalence rate of about 39%, compared with the regional average of 33.2%. This paper investigates the major causes of child labor among school children in the Kete-Krachi district. The study involved 145 respondents using questionnaires and interviews. The research design was both quantitative and qualitative. Respondents included 60 JHS social studies teachers, 60 victims of child labor, 15 parents or guardians of the victims, and 10 education stakeholders. Data analysis showed that 67% of the victims came from large families of five or more. Some victims worked to contribute to their own welfare, others due to poverty, and some also worked to support their education. The study recommends that teachers, opinion leaders, NGOs, and the government take active roles in eradicating child labor in the Kete-Krachi area.