By Rihana Adam, GNA
Accra, May 2, GNA – Key stakeholders in child protection have called for strengthened coordination, improved funding and effective implementation of policies to address persistent gaps in protecting children across Ghana.
The call came at the end of a three-day National Advocacy and Child Protection Workshop, organised by the SOS Children’s Villages Ghana, in collaboration with World Vision, Plan International, and International Justice Mission.
Ms Gloria Emeka, National Advocacy Advisor at SOS Children’s Villages Ghana, said although the country had enacted several child protection laws, gaps in implementation continued to expose children to abuse.
“As a country, we have laws, but there are still gaps in the implementation of child protection policies and cases of abuse persist from the community to the national level,” she said.
Ms Emeka noted that frequent reports of child abuse in the media highlighted the disconnect between policy and reality, necessitating deliberate efforts to bridge the gap.
She explained that the SOS Children’s Villages had been implementing a project focused on protecting children at risk of losing parental care, with support from the Norwegian Government, working closely with the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development.
However, challenges remained in reporting, referral and resolution of child abuse cases.
The workshop discussed key thematic areas, including child labour and trafficking, violence against children, children in conflict with the law, parental care, social protection under relevant legislation, and online abuse.
Mr Gregory Derry of World Vision Ghana said while government had made significant progress in promoting children’s rights, coordination among stakeholders remained weak.
“We realised coordination is key, that is why SOS Children’s Villages approached World Vision and other partners to bring stakeholders together to strengthen coordination mechanisms to ensure children are protected across the country,” he said.
Mr Derry called for adequate government funding for child protection, noting that if resources could be mobilised for major national programmes, similar commitment should be extended to safeguarding children.
He advocated the establishment of one-stop centres to handle child abuse, trafficking, and labour cases to prevent further trauma to victims.
“When a child suffers abuse, there should be a single point where all services are available without the victim being subjected to repeated processes,” he added.
Mr Ishmeal Nana Asamoah, the Ekumfi District Chief Executive, Central Region, commended the organisers for involving local authorities, saying such engagements provided valuable insights for district-level implementation.
He said: “Our country’s survival depends on our ability to raise responsible children, yet many are facing serious challenges.”
He advocated a dedicated funding for child protection, suggesting that allocations from the District Assemblies Common Fund should be earmarked to support vulnerable children, similar to funding for persons with disability.
Mr Wanlayon Foster, Director of Advocacy, International Justice Mission Ghana, said the workshop aimed to strengthen coordination, advocacy, and systems reform.
The stakeholders, including Members of Parliament, ministries, and agencies, had engaged in discussions to develop practical solutions to identified gaps.
“The goal is to build a stronger system that ensures coordinated efforts to protect children more effectively,” he said.
Mr Bless Kofi Vieku at Plan International Ghana commended the organisers for convening the timely engagement, noting that Ghana’s challenge was not the absence of policies but their effective implementation, financing, and coordination.
Participants emphasised that child protection was a shared national responsibility requiring sustained political will, coordinated action, and investment to safeguard the rights and dignity of every child in Ghana.
They identified systemic bottlenecks and developed proposals for government, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to enhance child protection systems.
The organisation welcomed key proposals in the workshop communiqué, including a dedicated national budget line for child protection, earmarking of local funds, passage of the Social Workers Bill, and strengthening of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development.
It urged stakeholders to ensure accountability and follow-through on commitments to achieve measurable improvements in the safety and wellbeing of children nationwide.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe