By Albert Allotey
Accra, Sept. 01, GNA – The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection through the Department of Children, has held the 2026 Children’s Day with a call on the society to help create environments for children to speak out without fear.
Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the sector Minister made the call in a speech read on her behalf by Mr Sefah Alexander Boadu, the Acting Director, Department of Children during the celebration of the Day at the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council {premises}.
The theme for the event was “Amplifying Children’s Voices on Abuse in Ghana: Promoting Child Protection, Participation, and Advocacy.”
The Minister urged parents, teachers, community and religious leaders, the media and child protection actors to join hands to create environments where children could speak without fear and where their concerns are taken seriously.
She said children’s voices must move from the consultation room into the policy room, influencing programmes, services and decisions.
Dr Lartey indicated that The Children’s Voices Sessions across the regions provided safe platforms for children to share their experiences and recommendations, adding, “Our task is to ensure those voices contribute to stronger policies and programmes.”
She affirmed Government’s position that the voice of every Ghanaian child matter and that a child’s age, background or circumstances must never determine whether that child deserved protection.
She stressed that “every child is entitled to safety, dignity and protection.
“For too long, adults have spoken about children, made decisions for children and designed programmes for children. But we must now ask: Where are the children at the table?”
She said child participation in decision making was not a favour granted to children, but rather a right, stressing that meaningful participation means creating opportunities for children to express their views and ensuring those views influence decisions.
She said child protection must become a national culture with parents, teachers, communities, faith leaders, traditional leaders, institutions and the Government playing critical roles.
“The value of a child cannot be measured in cedis and pesewas. Every child protected today is a future strengthened tomorrow. Child protection is therefore not merely a policy issue; it is a moral responsibility and a national priority,” she stated.
“My dear children, we see you, we hear you, and your voice matters. If something hurts you or makes you feel unsafe, speak to a trusted adult. And if you are not heard the first time, do not give up,” Dr Lartey concluded.
Madam Linda Obenewaa Ocloo, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, in a speech read for her by Rev. Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo, the Chief Director, GARCC, said Greater Accra Region must take the lead in building communities where children could learn, play, grow and expressed themselves without fear.
She urged traditional and religious leaders to use their influences to promote child protection in their communities, while calling on law enforcement agencies, social workers, health professionals, civil society organisations, and all child protection actors, to strengthen collaboration to provide support to the child in need.
“Let us remember that every child we protect today is a future teacher, doctor, lawyer, engineer, farmer, entrepreneur, leader, parent and a nation-builder. When we protect a child we protect the future of Ghana,” she stated.
Madam Ocloo noted that “When we silence a child, we silence a part of our future, when we allow a child to suffer, we weaken the very foundation upon which our nation stands.
She summoned all stakeholders to unite on the National Children’s Day in making a commitment, not just with words, but with their actions for a good impact.
GNA
Edited by Christabel Addo