More than 1.1 million people have been reached through nationwide child rights and protection campaigns as the government intensifies efforts to prevent abuse and improve the welfare of children.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, September 16, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, said a total of 1,168,278 people had been reached through public education and sensitisation activities aimed at strengthening awareness of children’s rights and protection.
She said the Ministry had also provided care, counselling and educational support to 291 vulnerable children through five residential and sub-vented homes.
“We must continue to create an environment where every child is protected, heard and given the opportunity to develop,” Dr Lartey said.
She emphasised the need for stronger cooperation among government agencies, communities and families to improve child protection.
The Minister also disclosed that five major bills and policy instruments had been advanced through Cabinet as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s child protection framework.
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They include the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy, Domestic Violence Policy, Children’s Amendment Bill, Children and Young Persons Justice Administration Bill and Domestic Abuse Bill.
Dr Lartey said the government intended to submit the relevant bills to Parliament in its next sitting.
Support for children in care
At the Child Care Centre, 16 children had received support, with six subsequently graduating into more stable and longer-term care arrangements.
The Minister said the interventions formed part of broader efforts to improve the welfare and protection of vulnerable children and strengthen the systems in place to safeguard their rights.
