By Victoria Agyemang, GNA
Cape Coast, Sept. 05, GNA – A child advocate, Ms Juanita Antwis has called on the Government and other stakeholders to actively involve children in decisions and policies that directly affected their lives and wellbeing.
The advocate said children deserved to be heard, protected and given the opportunity to express their views on matters concerning their education, health, safety and development.
She said although adults often made decisions in the best interest of children, they failed to seek their views which could result in policies and interventions that did not fully address their needs.
The advocate made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency during the celebration of Oguaa Fetu Afahye children’s day event.
“We need to be heard and protected,” Ms Antwis stated, stressing that children should not only be regarded as beneficiaries of policies, but also important stakeholders whose opinions must be considered.
The advocate urged the Government to create safe and child-friendly platforms where children could freely share their concerns without fear of intimidation or discrimination.
She further called for stronger enforcement of child protection laws and increased public education to enable parents, teachers, community leaders and institutions to better understand their responsibilities towards children.
Miss Antwis said protecting children required a collective effort, adding that communities must remain vigilant, and report suspected cases of abuse and exploitation to the appropriate authorities.
She also appealed to parents and guardians to create an environment where children could confidently speak about challenges affecting them.
The meaningful participation of children in decision-making, she indicated, would not only promote their rights but also contribute to building a society where children could grow in safe and supportive environments.
The call comes as child protection stakeholders particularly the Department of Children in the Central Region, continued to advocate for greater attention to children’s rights and welfare, particularly in areas where children remained vulnerable to abuse, neglect and exploitation.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/ Christabel Addo