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By Benson Michael
A recent study published by the African Union Human Rights System and led by Dr Olalekan Moyosore Lalude, a Nigerian legal academic, and an international law and human rights expert, who teaches and researches at the Wisconsin International University College, Ghana, has brought renewed scrutiny to the treatment of child domestic workers in West Africa.
Focusing on the experiences of children in Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, the study finds that many young workers remain exposed to exploitation and maltreatment behind closed doors.
Legal frameworks exist in these nations and reflect international agreements, such as the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, but enforcement remains lax. Children frequently end up in isolated positions where they have little recourse to seek help, and weak institutional responses permit persistent mistreatment.
The authors further explain that poverty and entrenched social practices are key drivers pushing children into domestic labor.
Efforts to stop child exploitation often fall short because government agencies lack effective coordination, resources, and motivation to protect those most at risk.
They urged national authorities to use existing laws more robustly and work towards real remedies, both locally and regionally, such as supporting the ECOWAS Community Court and the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Without stronger oversight and stronger commitment from public institutions, West Africa’s most vulnerable will continue to endure unsafe and harmful conditions.
They further argued that governments across West Africa need to address the root causes of child domestic labor, particularly poverty, by implementing social security measures aimed at reducing economic hardship.
Adopting a tax on wealth and significant assets could serve as a practical step toward narrowing the divide created by deepening inequality.
At the same time, a firm commitment to regional accountability is required. Strengthened support from national courts for regional bodies, such as the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice and the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, would help rein in unchecked government power and provide channels for civil society to push for meaningful reforms.
Another persistent challenge is the shortage of reliable data, which hampers policy and legislative action to protect children in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone.
Collaboration with the private sector could improve data collection and management. Given how often abuse remains hidden in private homes, the African Commission could play a role by equipping civil society groups to monitor and document violations, while also developing new methods to address the evolving landscape of child labor.
Governments across West Africa need to address the root causes of child domestic labor, particularly poverty, by implementing social security measures aimed at reducing economic hardship.
Adopting a tax on wealth and significant assets could serve as a practical step toward narrowing the divide created by deepening inequality. At the same time, a firm commitment to regional accountability is required. Strengthened support from national courts for regional bodies, such as the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice and the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, would help rein in unchecked government power and provide channels for civil society to push for meaningful reforms.
Another persistent challenge is the shortage of reliable data, which hampers policy and legislative action to protect children in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone.
Collaboration with the private sector could improve data collection and management. Given how often abuse remains hidden in private homes, the African Commission could play a role by equipping civil society groups to monitor and document violations, while also developing new methods to address the evolving terrain of child labor.
