By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, May 25, GNA – Parliament of Ghana has launched the maiden edition of its Mini Parliament initiative, creating a dedicated platform for children to debate, deliberate, and contribute to national issues that affect them.
Speaking at the launch at Parliament House in Accra, Madam Helen Ntosu, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Gender, Children and Social Protection, and Member of Parliament (MP) for Krachi West on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), said the era of policy-making for underrepresented groups without their input was over.
“Citizens, especially the youth, now seek platforms to be heard in decision-making processes,” she said, adding that the development reflected Ghana’s commitment to openness, transparency and building public trust.
A statement issued by Mr David Sebastian Damoah, Director of Media Relations at the Parliamentary Service, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, said the initiative was a partnership between Parliament of Ghana, the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), UNICEF, and the Learning Tree Foundation.
It explained that the Mini Parliament allowed children to assume the roles of MPs and debate real issues in a structured and educational setting.
Ms Paulina Sarvilahati, Chief Social Policy and Inclusion Officer at UNICEF, underscored the importance of child participation, recalling that Ghana was the first country in the world to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
“You deserve to be heard. You deserve to be protected. You deserve to go to school and achieve your dreams,” she told the participants, urging them to be bold and confident in expressing their views.
Superintendent (Retired) Effia Tenge, Director of Public Engagement at Parliament, said the department had hosted over 44,000 visitors between 2023 and 2025, with more than 70 per cent being primary and junior high school pupils.
She noted that many young visitors struggled to grasp parliamentary procedures, necessitating a more interactive approach.
“The Mini Parliament is a practical platform that enables children to assume the roles of Members of Parliament and debate national issues affecting young people.
“The vision is to ensure that the Ghanaian of tomorrow is capable of making meaningful contributions to national progress,” she said.
At the inaugural sitting, participants debated the topic “Responsible Use of Technology by Children,” focusing on online safety, digital responsibility, and the impact of technology on well-being.
Officials from the Cyber Security Authority also led a session on internet safety, cyberbullying, and the protection of personal information.
Some officials described the initiative as a step towards building civic responsibility among the youth.
Madam Kate Addo, Divisional Head of Public Affairs, commended the children for their confidence and eloquence, and urged them to remain disciplined and committed to their studies.
Dr Rasheed Draman, Executive Director of ACEPA, said early exposure to governance structures would help nurture responsible and informed citizens.
Manye Naa Badu Diaba I, Queen Mother of the Dzorwulu Abelemkpe Subdivision Stool, also advised the children to uphold good moral values and heed guidance from parents and teachers.
Parliament said the Mini Parliament would be sustained as part of efforts to strengthen youth engagement and prepare future leaders through practical civic education.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
May 25, 2026
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