By Florence Afriyie Mensah
Donyina (Ash), May 22, GNA – Parents have been strongly entreated to desist from subjecting children to all forms of abuse to promote their holistic growth and well-being.
Mr. Bright Adarkwa Yiadom, a Mental Health Officer at the Ejisu Government Hospital, cautioned that exposure to abuse could have lasting negative effect on children’s mental health and emotional development.
He stressed the need for guardians to monitor children closely and treat any form of anxiety and violence as a medical health concern.
Mr. Yiadom, who was speaking on Child Rights and Child Abuse at separate community durbars held at Donyina and Achinakrom in the Ejisu Municipality, pointed out that kids deserved to be treated with love, passion and attention.
He explained that mental illness in children often manifested in visible signs such as significant changes in mood, behaviour or personality, including withdrawal, sadness or excessive anger which parents must not overlook.
The community durbars put together by the SOS Children’s Villages brought together traditional leaders, parents, school children, heads of schools, officers from the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development and mental health experts.
It was held on the theme: “Protect Every Child, Promote Rights, End Abuse”.
Mr Yiadom reminded community members that mental illness was everyone’s business and should be treated with urgency across all age brackets.
Mr Boahen Abdul Rahman, Deputy Head of Department at the Ejisu Municipal Social Welfare and Community Development Office, took the gathering through the dangers of child abuse.
He encouraged the public to make use of existing support systems, including the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, to report cases and seek assistance.
The Family Strengthening Project Coordinator, SOS Children’s Villages, Mr. Joseph Yane, highlighted the need for children to be monitored closely.
He said that was why the community durbar was organised as part of activities to mark this year’s mental health month and broaden communities’ knowledge on such occurrences.
Mr. Yane indicated that the Family Strengthening Project had in the last few years executed child-friendly programmes and community support aimed at fostering a conducive atmosphere for learning.
GNA
YI/CA