Andrews Addoquaye Tagoe, Deputy Secretary-General of the General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), was recognized for his 26 years of dedicated service in promoting labor and decent work for agricultural workers in Ghana and other parts of Africa. He received the award during this year’s May Day parade held in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, and dedicated it to the more than 4,500 children he has helped rescue from child and forced labor.
Mr. Tagoe’s efforts in addressing child labor have led to the creation of the “Torkor Model” – a concept of child labor-free zones in Africa. Through this model, Ghana has made significant progress in eliminating child labor and ensuring that children are protected and have access to education.
Speaking to GBCGHANAONLINE, Mr. Tagoe expressed his gratitude for the recognition and stated that the award is a motivation for him to continue serving GAWU and the country. He believes that the battle against child and forced labor can be won with concerted efforts and the right policies in place.
Child labor remains a significant challenge in Ghana, especially in the agricultural sector, where children work on cocoa farms and other plantations. The situation is even worse in rural areas, where children are often used as a source of cheap labor by their parents or guardians.
The government and other stakeholders have taken steps to address child labor in Ghana, but more needs to be done. For the most part, the fight against child labor requires a multi-faceted approach that involves not just the government but also civil society organizations, trade unions, and the private sector.
In conclusion, Andrews Addoquaye Tagoe’s dedication to promoting labor and decent work for agricultural workers, and his efforts to address child labor, have not gone unnoticed. His recognition is well deserved, and it serves as a reminder of the need for concerted efforts to eliminate child labor in Ghana and Africa as a whole.