Ghana is to host the second African Cocoa Summit from September 3- 5, 2007 under the auspices of President John Agyekum Kufuor.
The objective of the summit, which would attract heads of state from Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Sao Tome & Principe, Togo and Uganda, will be to strengthen cooperation among African cocoa producing countries, reinforce international cooperation in cocoa and promote consumption as well as value addition.
Under the theme: "Defining a Policy Roadmap towards a Sustainable African Cocoa Economy", the meeting is also to ensure the efficient use of cocoa towards a sustainable African cocoa economy.
Mr Isaac Osei, Chief Executive of the COCOBOD, told journalists in Accra that the summit would also take a close look at the elimination of the worst form of child labour in the industry.
He explained that it was important for the West to understand the African cultural perspective where children support their family businesses by working on the farms.
Mr Osei said the case as it was in Ghana did not fall under the definition of the International Labour Organization worst forms of child labour, "since these children who still go to school are not in contact with chemicals and do not interfere with their education."
He said 16 countries had been invited for the Accra Summit, which would be preceded by a meeting of Technical Experts from September 3-4, 2007.
Mr Osei said the Cocoa Producers Alliance (COPAL) would also celebrate COPAL Cocoa Day on October 1, 2007 in Sefwi Wiawso, while the International Cocoa Organisations (ICCO’s) Roundtable on Sustainable World Cocoa Economy is slated for October 3-6, 2007.
The 70 General Assembly of Council of Ministers Meeting of COPAL is also scheduled for October 8-12 2007.
Mr. Osei said COCOBOD was working in concert with the media to educate people in the farming areas of the worst forms of child labour.
Mr. Sonai Ebai, Secretary General of COPAL, who also attended the briefing, noted, "as producers we should work at eliminating the worst forms of child labour in all sectors of the economy."
Source: GNA
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
ESG financing in Ghana: How to attract ESG financing in Ghana
5 mins -
Leading Ladies Network empowers young female voters on Ghana’s electoral processes
6 mins -
Time for empty rhetoric has passed – Private universities students want action against galamsey
10 mins -
Include PNC in the 2024 election; we are also bound to make mistakes – Awingobit
12 mins -
Dr. Okoe Boye appointed to Gavi Alliance Board
14 mins -
Joy FM launches 2024 Breast Cancer Awareness Month
24 mins -
Livestream: IPAC meeting on voters’ register underway
24 mins -
Stakeholders in Tema Assembly members engaged on just energy transition
26 mins -
North Tongu holds simulation on flood preparedness
26 mins -
Maintenance works at Atomic Bridge to affect traffic – GHA
36 mins -
Media practitioners spearhead strategy to bolster implementation of ILO work in fishing convention in Ghana
38 mins -
ACE Power Promotions signs pact with Centre Point Mall to promote Boxing
43 mins -
Sarkodie’s electrifying performance at Kora-sponsored Kwapong Hall Week making waves
44 mins -
New water and electricity tariffs take effect today
46 mins -
Government increases continuous professional development allowance for teachers
46 mins