By Anthony Adongo Apubeo, GNA
Bolgatanga, June 19, GNA – ActionAid Ghana has called for the integration of child protection and safeguarding into Ghana’s school curriculum to equip children with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves from abuse and other forms of violence.
The organisation said incorporating child protection into teaching and learning would ensure that children received age-appropriate information about their rights, personal safety, responsibilities, respect for others, violence prevention and available support systems.
Mr Yakubu Akuka, the Upper East Regional Programmes Manager of ActionAid Ghana, made the call during the commemoration of the 2026 African Union Day of the African Child in Bolgatanga, held on the theme, “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa.”
The event was organised by the Department of Children with support from ActionAid Ghana, a youth-focused non governmental organisation, and brought together children from 10 schools and actors in child protection and welfare sector.
Mr Akuka noted that reports of sexual abuse and other forms of violence against children remained a major concern and required urgent and collective action from all stakeholders.
“Every child deserves to enter a classroom with confidence, knowing that they are protected and respected. We must create school environments where children, particularly girls, are free from early or forced marriages, sexual abuse, bullying and intimidation,” he stated.
Mr Akuka explained that integrating child protection into the curriculum would empower children to recognise unsafe situations, seek help when necessary and become advocates for safer schools and communities.
He further advocated the introduction and strengthening of psychosocial learning and support systems in schools to help children develop emotional intelligence, self-discipline, conflict resolution skills and responsible decision-making abilities.
“Our children need more than textbooks and examinations. They need the skills to understand themselves, manage their emotions, resolve conflicts peacefully, respect authority and make responsible choices,” he said.
Mr Akuka expressed concern over increasing incidents of violence, indiscipline and disturbances in some senior high schools that had resulted in the destruction of school property.
He noted that schools should be safe spaces where children learned values, built character and developed confidence to contribute positively to society, stressing that violence and indiscipline undermined the purpose of education.
Mr Akuka urged stakeholders to adopt positive disciplinary approaches that combined accountability with guidance, mentorship and support rather than relying solely on punitive measures.
He further called on school authorities, teachers, parents, traditional leaders, government agencies and communities to collaborate in creating safer and more supportive learning environments for children.
He recommended strengthening guidance and counselling services, peer support systems, student leadership programmes, safe reporting mechanisms and continuous engagement between schools and communities.
Mr Akuka reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment to working with communities, government institutions, traditional authorities and schools to promote children’s rights and wellbeing.
He urged policymakers and duty bearers to ensure that children’s rights were reflected in national plans, policies and budgets, stressing that investment in children was an investment in the future development of communities, the nation and the African continent.
The Day of the African Child is commemorated annually on June 16 to honour the memory of the children who participated in the 1976 Soweto uprising in South Africa while demanding access to quality education.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Email: [email protected]