Ghana becomes an Alliance 8.7 pathfinder country

Accra (ILO News) - Ghana has reached an important milestone in its efforts to eliminate child labour, forced labour, human trafficking, and modern slavery by attaining the status of an Alliance 8.7 Pathfinder Country, with technical support from the ILO through the ACCEL Africa Project.

Alliance 8.7 is a global partnership dedicated to accelerating action toward the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 8.7, which calls for immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and eliminate the worst forms of child labour.

© ILO / Robert Pwazaga

© ILO / Robert Pwazaga

As part of this process, the ACCEL Africa Project, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, worked closely with the Government of Ghana and key stakeholders to strengthen the national coordination and policy framework required for Pathfinder Country status. The support focused primarily on the development and review of Ghana’s Alliance 8.7 Country Roadmap, which is a strategic document outlining national priorities, interventions, partnerships, and accountability mechanisms for advancing SDG 8.7 commitments.

The roadmap was developed through a broad, nationally owned process, with the ILO providing technical guidance from the initial drafting to the final validation. This support helped ensure that the roadmap is aligned with international labour standards, ILO guidance and national development priorities, while also translating commitments into practical actions that can be implemented, monitored and measured. Government ministries and institutions, workers’ and employers’ organizations, civil society, survivors and development partners all contributed to the process, helping build a shared vision and stronger collective action.

In addition to supporting the roadmap development process, the ACCEL Africa Project provided the needed guidelines in preparing Ghana’s presentation to the Alliance 8.7 Global Coordinating Group (GCG). The presentation highlighted the country’s progress, strategic priorities, and institutional readiness to join the growing network of Pathfinder Countries leading global action against child labour and forced labour.

Ghana’s attainment of Alliance 8.7 Pathfinder status reflects the country’s strong commitment to accelerating action against child labour and forced labour through coordinated national efforts. It also underscores the importance of strengthening systems, partnerships and accountability mechanisms that can support progress towards SDG Target 8.7 and improve the lives of vulnerable children and communities. As a Pathfinder Country, Ghana will continue to report annually on progress under the Alliance 8.7 accountability framework, helping to sustain momentum and track results over time.

Stakeholders noted that attaining Pathfinder Country status further positions Ghana as a regional leader in promoting decent work and protecting vulnerable children and workers from exploitation. The recognition also opens opportunities for knowledge sharing, peer learning, and increased technical and financial support from the international community.

As Ghana advances its implementation of the Alliance 8.7 Roadmap, the ILO remains committed to supporting the country and its partners in accelerating progress toward SDG Target 8.7 and ensuring a safer and more equitable future for children and communities.