The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a collaborative framework with the governments of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, along with the World Cocoa Foundation, to tackle child labor in West Africa's cocoa sector. The two countries together produce nearly 60 percent of the world's cocoa annually. Despite advancements, child labor remains an issue on cocoa farms in these regions.
Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs Thea Lee emphasized the significance of national plans from Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana in this initiative, highlighting the essential role companies play in ensuring due diligence and transparency within supply chains. "We are working together because we share a goal to end child labor as well as a common responsibility to improve the lives of vulnerable children, families and workers," she stated.
The framework aims to address fundamental causes of child labor such as poverty, limited access to decent work and social protection, inadequate monitoring systems for child labor, and insufficient corporate accountability. It delineates roles and responsibilities, enhances coordination and collective action, and seeks additional support to combat child labor in cocoa production.
Signatories will collaborate to enhance access to quality education, technical and vocational training, strengthen social services and protection measures, while empowering women, youth, and workers within cocoa-growing communities in both nations.
U.S. Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire Jessica Davis Ba remarked on the occasion: “Today marks a moment of hope and opportunity for the children of Côte d'Ivoire as we unite in a shared commitment to shaping a brighter future.” She acknowledged First Lady Dominique Ouattara's leadership in advancing the framework’s vision for transformative action.
Similarly, U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Virginia Palmer expressed support: “As the world’s second-largest producer of cocoa beans, we welcome the government of Ghana’s signing of this new framework."
The agreement also underscores the importance of engaging local farmers and workers' voices through regular dialogue with civil society organizations to ensure transparency and accountability.
