On Thursday, September 12, 2024, the Department of Children, under the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP), held a national forum to celebrate this year’s National Children’s Day.
The event, themed “Building Bridges: Fostering Child Rights through Cultural, Religious, and Traditional Leadership,” focused on examining the influence of cultural norms, religious beliefs, and traditional leadership on child protection and the realization of children’s rights.
In her keynote address, Hon. Dakoa Newman, Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, highlighted the urgent need for collective responsibility in safeguarding children’s futures.
“The theme calls on all of us to unite as custodians of the future, ensuring that children grow up in a world where their rights are recognized and protected,” she emphasized.
Hon. Newman addressed ongoing challenges, particularly child marriage, which she described as a significant barrier to girls’ futures. “Child marriage is a challenge that deprives girls of their potential,” she asserted, urging cultural and religious leaders to actively fight against such harmful practices and work to shift societal norms.
She concluded her speech by calling on all Ghanaians to foster a society that respects and upholds every child’s rights, stating, “In safeguarding children, we safeguard the future of our nation.”
Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, also stressed the importance of education and collaboration in addressing harmful practices, emphasizing the need for a future where no child’s potential is stifled by cultural norms.
Pauliina Sarvilahti from UNICEF highlighted the crucial role of traditional and religious leaders in promoting child welfare and ensuring the protection of children’s rights. She affirmed UNICEF’s commitment to working with relevant bodies to create safe environments for all children in Ghana.
The forum concluded with a renewed commitment to aligning cultural and religious practices with child protection goals, with stakeholders pledging to work together to uphold and protect children’s rights.
