Partners: Barry Callebaut Nyonkopa
Period: 2025 –
Country of operation: Ghana
Category: Child Protection and Welfare; Financial Inclusion (VSLAs)
Project Snapshot:
PDA, in partnership with Right to Play and Nyonkopa, has been working to strengthen community and district-level child protection structures to safeguard children and improve response systems across several regions. Our collective efforts in the second quarter of 2025 reflect both the scale of the challenges and the progress being made in addressing child labor and promoting child welfare.
Large-Scale Case Referral to Social Welfare
During the quarter, the remediation team successfully referred 6,078 cases to the Department of Social Welfare for remediation across 58 districts in seven regions of Ghana’s cocoa-growing forest areas. This marks the first time such a large-scale referral effort has been made, representing a major milestone in ensuring children at risk of child labor receive the necessary protection and services.
Building Case Management Capacity
To support effective case management, PDA organized a two-day training session on the Social Welfare Information Management System (SWIMS) for case managers. This training enhanced the skills and knowledge needed to manage the thousands of referrals effectively. The first cohort of 58 case managers has been trained, with a second cohort planned to reach another 58 case managers in project districts. By strengthening SWIMS capacity, case managers are better equipped to deliver comprehensive social services that promote the well-being of vulnerable children.
Strengthening Child Protection at District Level
As part of efforts to reinforce formal structures, inactive District Child Protection Committees (DCPCs) are being reconstituted across seven districts in the Central, Western, and Western North regions. These committees bring together institutions such as the Department of Social Welfare, Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), CHRAJ, Ghana Education Service, Ghana Health Service, Court Registrars, and traditional authorities. By reactivating these committees, PDA is helping districts establish a stronger, more coordinated framework to prevent and respond to child protection issues.
Empowering Community Child Protection Committees
At the community level, PDA is working with 30 semi-active and newly formed Community Child Protection Committees (CCPCs) across child labor-prone areas. Notably, 18 of these committees were originally established by Right to Play. Through refresher training for sector coordinators, these CCPCs are being strengthened to effectively identify, prevent, and respond to child protection concerns within their localities. The goal is to empower communities themselves to create safer environments for children.
Vocational Enrolment for Vulnerable Children
A major achievement in the quarter was the vocational enrolment of 154 children under the Child Labor Remediation and Referral Project. Out of this target, 69% of vulnerable children identified have already transitioned into vocational training. These programs provide valuable skills in various trades, equipping children with employable skills and alternative livelihood opportunities. This intervention not only reduces vulnerability to exploitation but also empowers children to reintegrate into mainstream society and build brighter futures.