By Anthony Adongo Apubeo, GNA
Bolgatanga, Sept. 07, GNA – Mrs Georgina Aberese-Ako, the Acting Upper East Regional Director of the Department of Children, has advised children to speak out against all forms of abuses and report to appropriate institutions whenever they experience or witness abuse.
“Children have the right to be protected from physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation and other forms of harm, but I also want to encourage all children to voice out when you experience abuse at home, in school or in your communities to trusted parents, teachers, school authorities, social welfare officers or the police,” she said.
Mrs Aberese-Ako gave the advice during the commemoration of this year’s National Children’s Day held in Bolgatanga on the theme: “Amplifying Children’s Voices on Abuse in Ghana: Promoting Child Protection, Participation, and Advocacy.”
The Acting Director said children must not only be protected but also given safe and meaningful platforms to express their concerns and participate in decisions affecting their lives.
She said society must desist from shielding perpetrators of abuse, stressing that such practices often discouraged victims from speaking out and allowed abuse to continue.
Ms Yvonne Wonchua, the Focal person for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) at the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council, explained that cases involving the abuse of children were matters between the State and alleged perpetrators, rather than private disputes between victims and offenders.
“Please speak out. If you cannot say it in the school, tell your parents, because when you don’t talk about things, whatever abuse you are facing will continue with you and haunt you and affect your education and social life,” she said.
She also urged parents and caregivers to create an environment where children could freely communicate their concerns without fear of intimidation or rejection.
Ms Wonchua said UNFPA and state institutions remained committed to supporting children and ensuring their protection.
Children who participated in the celebration also shared experiences and called for stronger communication between parents and children.
Miss Agyekum Grace, a pupil of St. Peter Junior High School, said girls must be given equal opportunities to express themselves and develop their potential.
“Parents should have a good relationship with us and give us enough time to have effective communication so we can also express ourselves and tell them what worries us,” she said.
Master Edward Adongo, a pupil of the Great Victory Academy, said the celebration had taught him the importance of believing, protecting, empowering, and listening to the voices of children
He said he was confident that with the knowledge acquired he could help victims receive support and prevent perpetrators from abusing other children.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/ Christabel Addo
Reporter: Anthony Adongo Apubeo
[email protected]