The just-wrapped Ghana Meets Naija concert has received numerous comments being it the good, the bad and the ugly.
Thanks to the exploits of the big names in the Ghana- Naija entertainment fraternity as well as the young prodigy, DJ Switch, who got viewers and social media buzzing throughout the duration of the show.
Switch obviously left a lasting impression in the minds of all.
DJ Switch is a 9 year old girl who won the recently held season 8 of TV3's kids show called Talented kids
After the end of the show, there’s been some raging debate on the effects, positive and negative of such shows on the growth and development of child entertainers.
You can’t rule out the allurement of the monetary prize and other goodies that come with such avenues.
DJ Switch's management may obviously be making some good money.
A Case of Child Labour?
One of the confounding issues that has come up in relation to these kids-oriented reality shows is that of Child Labour.
Under the Ghana Children Act 1998, the minimum age for admission of children into employment is fifteen (15).
However, children may be employed at the age of thirteen (13) to do light work. The minimum age for engagement of persons in hazardous work is eighteen (18).
The law states implicitly that employers are not supposed to engage children in night work.
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But here is the case, DJ Switch was the youngest act booked for the adult filled entertainment show which started around 8:25pm on Sunday May 28.
How does this juggle with the labour laws in Ghana?
According to the law, under no circumstances are children allowed to do the following hazardous work:
Work in places such as bars, hotels and places of entertainment where a person may be exposed to immoral behaviour.
Some psychologists and other experts have argued strongly that such adults programmes are not a healthy concept for the development of kids.
There is endless amount of practice required to put up good performances like she pulled. The long hours of practice and rehearsals can become very physically tiring. There have been instances of adults collapsing on the sets because of exhaustion. These long hours of practice practically drain all energy from a person.
On the other some parents are gladdened to see their kids be in the public eye. Parents should not be so glamour-struck and pressurise the children just for fame or star-status.