Ghana asked to implement child protection laws
Mr Emmanuel Nyarko Tetteh, a child protection specialist with the Compassion International Ghana (CIGH), has called for the implementation of all Child Protection Laws in the country to protect the rights of children.
He noted that there are beautiful laws pertaining to child protection, but they are not being effectively implemented thereby giving way for people to abuse children.
“When it comes to child protection Ghana plays a major role since it is among the first to rectify UN resolution on Child Protection, “ he said.
Mr Tetteh made the observation during the opening of a five- day camp organised by CIGH, a Christian non-governmental child development organisation for teenagers within the Cape Coast cluster of CICH assisted projects.
The Camp, attended by more than 750 registered teenagers from 14 churches in Cape Coast was on the theme: “Becoming a fulfilled Christian Adult; Christ the Watchtower.”
Mr Tetteh pointed out that child protection issues should be the collective business of Ghanaians.
He said the country could only boast of responsible youth when the necessary rules and regulations governing children are put in place.
He said it is the responsibility of every parent to provide their children with basic needs such as food, shelter and clothes.
It is also the responsibility of the child to respect his or her parents and must be law abiding and disciplined.
Mr Tetteh who spoke on: “Identifying and preventing abuse as a teenager,” mentioned child trafficking, children marriages, child labour, female genital mutilation and sexual abuse as some of the abuses children go through.
He expressed the need for pragmatic measures to help address them.
Mr Stephen Larbi Appiah Partnership Facilitator said CIGH has been in existence in the country for the past 10 years and is currently supporting more than 62,000 children living in poverty.
He said in the Central Region more than 4,212 children in child development centres are being giving training in three thematic areas as physical development, cognitive development spiritual and social-emotional development.
He said the beneficiaries are also given needed protection and support to enable them realize their dreams.
The children would be taken through topics like study habits and self management, child protection and the role of the police, becoming fulfilled Christian adult, the role of CIGH, nutrition, reproductive health and hygiene, dating and marriage .
Source: GNA