The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection with support from World Vision Ghana, Norsaac, GACA, Children Believe, Plan International, and UNICEF, commemorated this year’s World Children’s Day and the 5th Sitting of the National Children’s Parliament on Monday, 20th November 2023, in Tamale, Northern Region.
The theme for this year’s celebration was: “For every child, every right.”
It sought to sensitize children and community members about issues affecting children and ways to address them using the Ghanaian Against Child Abuse Child Protection toolkit (GACA CP toolkit).
Additionally, it aimed to highlight new challenges and advocate for change from all stakeholders.
Delivering the Keynote address on behalf of the Sector Minister – Hon.Lariba Zuweira Abudu, the Chief Director for the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection Dr. Afisah Zakariah, expressed Ghana’s unwavering commitment to the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
She emphasized the ministry’s dedication to ensuring a brighter future for Ghanaian children while empowering them to become advocates for change.
The Minister encouraged parents and guardians to take advantage of the Free Senior High School Policy to enroll their children in school.
She also praised the Government for removing taxes on locally manufactured sanitary products and imported raw materials in the 2024 Budget.
Mrs. Florence Ayisi Quartey, the Ag. Director of the Department of Children highlighted Ghana’s commitment to safeguarding children’s rights through legislative measures such as the Children’s Act (Act 560), Juvenile Justice Act (Act 563), and Domestic Violence Act (Act 732).
These laws reflect Ghana’s commitment to ensuring that children receive education, healthcare, and protection from violence.
In solidarity messages, representatives from Children Believe, UNICEF, Plan International, and World Vision Ghana pledged their unwavering support to create a safe and healthy environment for children and assist the Ministry in child protection initiatives.
