By Caleb Kuleke, GNA
Goefe (V/R) Nov. 10, GNA – SOS Children’s Village (SOS CV), a non-governmental organisation, in collaboration with the Adaklu District Assembly, has inaugurated the District and Community Child Protection Committees.
The committees will serve as community “watchdogs” and advocates for effective policies and swift justice, create a network of support for the safety and well-being of children.
Child protection committees are crucial for ensuring child welfare by developing and implementing protection strategies, coordinating inter-agency efforts, and responding to abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
They provide a vital link to address child-specific issues at the local level, including child labour, child marriage, and other violence, while also engaging the public and improving local systems through reporting cases, and case reviews.
Mr Jerry Ameko, Adaklu District Chief Executive, who inaugurated the committees, charged them to discharge their duties without fear or favour and with high level of professionalism in ensuring the safety of children.
He commended SOS CV for strengthening child protection structures for effective co-ordination of activities of all related institutions in the district and the region for holistic development of children.
Mr Ameko said child protection issues such as child labour, neglect, exploitation, sexual abuse and harassment were on the increase and this was having a serious toll on the lives of children and making them loose their self-worth and dignity.
The DCE said the Assembly remained committed to ensuring that every child grew up in an environment that was safe, nurturing and full of opportunities.
He disclosed that the Assembly in collaboration with various stakeholders, including chiefs, Ghana Health Service, Ghana Police Service and Ghana Education Service was implementing interventions to promote child rights and strengthen family systems.
Mr Mac-Peter Dumatonu, the District Director of Education, called for effective collaboration between various stakeholders to prevent child abuse and ensure that children were protected and supported.
He said every child deserved a safe nurturing environment to grow and thrive, emphasising the use of positive reinforcement as a powerful tool to encourage good behaviour in children.
The SOS Children’s Village is currently working in the district with Friends of Adaklu, another NGO to protect the rights and well-being of children as well as offer support, including financial, to caregivers.
A total of 500 families are targeted for the project with 2000 children expected to benefit directly.
Madam Martina Deri, Project Lead, SOS Children’s Village, stated that the strength of various communities lied in the health and happiness of children.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Christian Akorlie