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Journalists Brainstorm Issues of Child Labour on Cocoa Farms
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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 Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, says his main priority is to support President John Dramani Mahama to succeed rather than engage in discussions about who will become the party’s next flagbearer.
Speaking on Eyewitness News yesterday, July 15, 2026, with Umaru Sanda Amadu, he said he would not be distracted by speculation over the party’s future leadership.
Responding to questions about whether National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, popularly known as General Mosquito, could contest to become the NDC’s presidential candidate, Gbande said the chairman had not informed him of any such intention.
“General Mosquito is my father and my boss. He hasn’t told me that he wants to contest the election,” he said.
He stressed that his loyalty remains with President Mahama and that his focus is to help him succeed.
“My loyalty, whether the President likes me or not, is to the President. I want to see President Mahama succeed. If anybody thinks I will be silent, they are joking,” he said.
On the party’s upcoming internal elections, Gbande declined to support any potential candidate for the position of National Chairman.
He explained that the party’s guidelines do not allow premature campaigning or declarations of intention.
According to him, he had directed that no national officer should begin campaigning before the appropriate time because doing so would undermine the party’s internal processes.
Asked whether he intended to contest for any position himself, he said he was not campaigning and was not concerned about the outcome if he eventually decided to run.
“I don’t care whether I contest and lose or I don’t contest. The work I have done speaks for itself,” he said.
Gbande rejected suggestions that he was arrogant, saying he preferred to speak honestly about issues affecting the party.
He said many party members privately complain about challenges within the NDC but fail to express the same views publicly.
“I believe we should deal with problems directly instead of pretending they do not exist,” he said.
During the interview, he also claimed that former NDC Deputy General Secretary Koku Anyidoho was no longer a member of the party.
He further alleged that Anyidoho was acting as a consultant to former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, although he did not provide evidence to support the claim.
Gbande maintained that discipline and respect for the party’s rules are essential as the NDC prepares for its internal elections.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Asante Kotoko Sporting Club has announced the appointment of Eric Tinkler as the club’s new Head Coach with immediate effect.
The Portuguese-South African tactician joins the Porcupine Warriors with a world-class CV, bringing proven pedigree, extensive top-flight experience, and a distinguished playing and coaching career at the highest level of African and global football.
Coach Tinkler holds a CAF A License and boasts over 30 years’ experience in elite football. He arrives at Kotoko on the back of an impressive coaching stint with some of South Africa’s biggest clubs, including Cape Town City FC, SuperSport United, Maritzburg United, Orlando Pirates, and Bidvest Wits FC.
During his time in the PSL, he achieved remarkable continental feats:CAF Champions League runner-up with Orlando Pirates, CAF Confederation Cup runner-up with SuperSport United.
He also lifted domestic silverware including MTN 8 championships and a Telkom Knockout Winners Medal.
As a player, Tinkler earned 48 caps for South Africa and captained the national team at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations.
He was also part of the historic Bafana Bafana squad that won the 1996 AFCON and represented the country at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
His club career took him across Europe, where he featured for Barnsley FC in England, Cagliari Calcio in Italy, and Vitória de Setúbal in Portugal.
Renowned for his tactical acumen, structured methodology, and strong record of player development, Coach Tinkler will work closely with the club’s Director of Football, Stanley Menzo Purl, as Kotoko builds a formidable structure aimed at sustained success both domestically and on the continent.
Expressing delight at the appointment, Board Chairman of the club, Mr. James Osei Brown said, “Eric brings a wealth of experience, discipline, and winning pedigree to our technical bench.”
He added that “His track record of developing players and delivering results at the highest level in African football makes him the right man to lead our team at this important time. We warmly welcome him to the Fabulous family, a group united in heritage and driven by excellence, and look forward to the success ahead.”
Commenting on his appointment, Coach Tinkler noted that
“I am honoured and excited to join one of Africa’s most storied football institutions. Asante Kotoko’s rich history, passion for success and ambition for development is not hidden in Africa. I look forward to working with the players, staff, and management to build a team that can compete and win, both at home and on the continental stage. I feel proud to be associated with this great club at this historical moment.”
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
