News
Journalists Brainstorm Issues of Child Labour on Cocoa Farms
In a quiet conference room nestled within Royal Lee’s Hotel, the voices of Ghana’s newsroom leaders echoed with renewed purpose. They had gathered not just to share editorial strategies, but to confront a haunting reality: the persistent shadow of child labour and forced labour in the cocoa fields that fuel Ghana’s global reputation.
The two-day workshop, held on October 2–3, was spearheaded by the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI), a leading organisation committed to protecting children in cocoa-growing communities across West Africa. The event, dubbed ‘News Editors’ Experience Sharing’, was more than a professional gathering—it was a call to conscience.
For many participants, the discussions stirred memories of children seen hauling heavy loads, missing school, or trapped in cycles of poverty. “We must remember that behind every cocoa bean is a child who deserves to dream,” said Mr. Kingsley E. Hope, the immediate past Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA). His presentation on ‘Media Landscape and Child Labour Reporting in Ghana’ urged editors to elevate advocacy reporting from the margins to the mainstream.
The workshop followed an earlier session in Kumasi for frontline journalists, where stories of field reporting were shared—some harrowing, others hopeful. Journalists recounted moments when their investigations led to rescued children, sensitised communities, or policy shifts. But they also spoke of challenges: editorial constraints, limited airtime, and the struggle to pitch stories that don’t always promise clicks but carry moral weight.
Madam Ernestina Oppong, Deputy News Editor at Kessben Media, offered practical guidance on ‘How to Pitch a Story on Child Labour’, emphasising the need to humanise statistics and spotlight the resilience of affected families. “It’s not just about exposing the problem,” she said. “It’s about telling the story of a child who got back to school, a mother who found support, or a community that changed.”
ICI’s Training and Safeguarding Manager, Nancy Aguteba, led sessions on child labour concepts and safeguarding, reminding editors that ethical reporting must protect the dignity of children while amplifying their plight. The Communications Director, Katie Bird, underscored that child labour is not just Ghana’s burden—it’s a global concern. “We must sustain the momentum,” she urged, “and ensure that these children are not forgotten once the headlines fade.”
ICI’s interventions go beyond workshops. They include educational support, apprenticeships for teenagers, household income initiatives, and cash transfers to vulnerable families, each designed to break the cycle of exploitation and restore childhoods.
From Kingsley E. Hope,
Mampong-Akuapem
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The legal tussle over the removal of the former Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkonoo is far from over as she filed another process before the High Court in Accra to halt the vetting of the newly appointed Chief Justice.
The application, which is in the nature of a judicial review, is asking for grant a number of reliefs and declarations.
The legal action filed is also seeking to stop the vetting and subsequent appointment of Justice Baffoe Bonnie as Ghana’s Chief Justice.
Justice Torkonoo is asking the court for an order of certiorari to quash the proceedings of the May 15, 2025 and the entire proceedings and outcomes of the Article 146 set up to consider petitions to remove the Applicant chaired by Pwamang JSC (“Pwamang Committee” “Committee).
She also wants an order of certiorari to quash each and all of the three reasons/grounds given by the Pwamang Committee for recommending her removal from office as stated in the letter of the Secretary to the President dated September 1, 2025.
Justice Torkonoo is further asking the court for an order prohibiting the denial or withdrawal of the salary, benefit, courtesies, and other entitlements due to her before the Warrant of Removal dated September 1, 2025.
By Malik Sullemana
Organiser of Ghana Music Awards (GMA) -USA have honoured Founder of Reign House Chapel, Prophet Eric Boahen Uche for his enormous support to the music industry.
GMA-USA led by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr.Denise Boafo, affectionately called Don, made the presentation on Sunday, October 12, at church.
Presenting the citation, Mr.Boafo said Prophet Eric Boahen has been a support system for various sections of Ghana’s music echoe system.
This, he said, has gone a long way to keep many gospel artistes in business regardless of challenges confronting the industry.
“This is in recognition of remarkable contribution to the gospel music industry in Ghana and beyond,” he said.
He revealed that the Man of God substantially supported this year’s GMA-USA, a gesture which cannot kept under the rug.
On his part, a grateful Prophet Eric Boahen expressed his appreciation to the organisers for such an honour.
According to him, the gesture is a motivation to him and others to continuously support the cause of GMA-USA.
He charged the organisers to work assidously to promote Ghana Music in the diaspora.
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