Legendreport has observed a disturbing trend in the Western North Region that calls for urgent intervention by stakeholders, especially Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), security agencies, and local authorities. While many NGOs continue to campaign against child labour involving children who accompany their parents to farms, another equally serious form of child exploitation is unfolding along our highways — children, aged between 5 and 11, filling potholes in exchange for money.
This practice has become increasingly common on major roads such as Juaboso Nkwanta to Bonsu Nkwanta, Bodi Junction to 80 Junction, Sefwi Wiawso to Asawinso, and other forest routes. These children are often seen working without any protective gear or adult supervision, placing their lives at risk while attempting to earn money from drivers who reward them for their efforts.
What is more worrying is that many of these children miss school because of this activity. Instead of being in a classroom, they spend their days on dangerous roadsides exposed to vehicular accidents, harsh weather conditions, and potential predators. The implications of this trend are not only educational but also pose serious security and health risks to the children involved.
Despite the growing visibility of this issue, little to no action has been taken by the authorities and NGOs that claim to champion the rights and welfare of children. Organisations such as Resource Foundation, Child Rights International, and World Vision, among others, have remained silent even though their representatives frequently travel these same roads on their way to regional capitals.
Law enforcement agencies, social welfare departments, and district assemblies have also failed to address this matter adequately. The absence of coordinated efforts to remove these children from the streets and place them in safer environments is concerning and raises questions about the commitment of these bodies to child protection.
The involvement of drivers, some of whom unknowingly or knowingly support this by giving money, only fuels the problem further. While the intentions might be good, these actions encourage children to return to the roads daily, creating a false sense of purpose and normalcy around the act.
In an era where child abduction and insecurity have become national concerns, the presence of unsupervised children along secluded road stretches is extremely dangerous. These children could easily fall victim to kidnapping or exploitation, especially given that most of them operate in isolated forest areas with no guardians nearby.
Legendreport is calling on Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), the Ghana Police Service, social welfare departments, and NGOs to urgently investigate and provide sustainable solutions to this menace. The future of these children depends on the decisions made today by those entrusted with their protection.
Local media houses in the Western North Region are also encouraged to raise awareness and educate the public on the dangers of child labour in the form of pothole filling. Media coverage should not only chase trending content but also highlight pressing community issues like this to inspire positive action.
