Ghanaian wins Iqbal Masih award

PACODEP which operates in the Kete Krachi area in the Volta Region engages in locating, rescuing and providing shelter for children engaged in child labour

The Iqbal Masih Award is named after the Pakistani young boy who escaped horrendous conditions of child servitude.

Master Masih later became an outspoken international advocate against the worst forms of child labour. He died tragically at the age of 13.

Presenting the award at a colourful ceremony in Accra, the Charge d’Affaires of the US Embassy, Ms C. Pat Alsup, said each year, the US  Department of Labour selected a recipient of the Iqbal Masih Award in memory of the courageous young boy who stood up for all exploited children. 

She said the award was intended to recognise the qualities that Iqbal demonstrated during his short life – determination, steadfastness, leadership, and courage in raising awareness and denouncing labour abuses against children.     

She said “through this award, we honour those who carry on Iqbal’s legacy”.

Ms Alsup said George Achibra was recognised for his work on behalf of Ghana’s most vulnerable children.

According to her, as founder of  PACODEP, Mr Achibra and his team had given hundreds of children a chance to get off the lake, a chance to go to school, a chance to feel safe – a chance for a normal life.

According to her as a teacher and leader, George had tirelessly advocated  children’s rights in Ghana’s communities.   

She said the work of Mr Achibra garnered international attention, including that of “our Embassy here in Accra, which awarded him with the Martin Luther King Award for Social Justice in 2011”.