Effect of Child Labour on the Academic Performance on School Children in the Kete-Krachi District, Ghana

In Ghana, about 20% of school children are involved in some form of child labour. In the Oti Region of Ghana, the Kete-Krachi district has the highest prevalence rate of about 39 percent compared to 33.2 percent for the whole region (Volta Region, 2007). This paper investigates the impact of child labour among School children in the Kete-Krachi district of the Oti Region. The study explored the major impact of Child labour among school Children. The study interviewed 145 respondents through questionnaire and interviews. The research design for the study was both quantitative and qualitative. The respondents comprised 60 JHS social studies teachers, 60 Victims of child labour, 15 parents or guardians of the victims of child labour and 10 stakeholders of education. Data analysis showed that 67 percent of the victims were from large families of five or more. It was concluded from the findings that, child labour impacts negatively on children’s academic work. It results in lateness to school, absenteeism, non-performance of home works, inactive in classroom activities, poor performance in examination and high school dropout rates in Kete-Krachi area.