As part of activities to mark the 2024 National Children’s Day in Ghana, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has taken the sensitisation on the rights of children to stakeholders, especially traditional and religious leaders in communities.
The Ministry marked the celebration at the Nungua Cluster of schools, bringing together students, parents, traditional and religious leaders, workers from social welfare amongst others to look at how cultural practices can help children grow in a safe environment.
It has been observed by the Ministry that while some cultural practices have served us well over generations, others no longer align with the fundamental human rights Ghanaian children are entitled to.
The practices of child labour, child marriage, spirit children, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, and even the existence of witch camps and betrothal ceremonies are often deeply rooted in tradition and culture and they sometimes violate the rights of children.
In view of this, the Department of Children under the Gender Ministry organised the stakeholders engagement under the theme,”Building Bridges: Fostering child Rights through Cultural, Religious and Traditional Leadership,” with the aim of addressing harmful practices that infringe on the Rights of the Child and also promote positive practices.
In a speech read on her behalf by the Acting National Director for the Department of Children at the Ministry, Mr Sefa Alexander Boadu, the Chief Director, at the Gender Ministry, Dr Afisah Zakariah stated that Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection and its partners work tirelessly to address the aforementioned issues, but the fight cannot be won without the leadership and commitment of stakeholders.
“As traditional and religious leaders, your position imposes on you the custodial role of our culture and moral values. We acknowledge that, while some cultural practices have served us well over generations, others no longer align with the fundamental human rights our children are entitled to,”she stated.
She continued that, “The practices of child labour, child marriage, spirit children, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, and even the existence of witch camps and betrothal ceremonies are often deeply rooted in tradition and culture. Yet, they violate the very rights we strive to protect.”
The Chief Director again said, “We stand at a crossroads, where tradition and progress must come together to build a better future for our children. Traditional and religious leaders, you hold the key to change. By fostering dialogue, championing education, and standing up for the rights of children, you can help bridge the gap between cultural practices and the protection of children’s rights.”
She continued, “Let us all commit to building these bridges together, ensuring that our children are not only the future of Ghana but that they also inherit a world where they are free, safe, and empowered to reach their full potential.”
For his part, speaking on behalf of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Krowor Municipal Assembly, Joshua Nii Bortey, the Director of Education at Krowor Municipality, Mr Azeriya Ayariga observed that the rights of children are under attack in many parts of the world.
He noticed that children are being abused in many ways by their family members, neighbours and strangers.
The MCE also noticed that children are often the victims of social evils including child abuse, alcohol, drugs, sex, hard labour, violence etc.
He also observed that many of them are forced to earn little money for hard work at that tender age and remain away from a healthy life, parents love, education and the joy of childhood.
“I believe it is long overdue for us as a people to re-examine some of our traditional, religious and cultural beliefs and practices that are detrimental to children and their development and wellbeing,”he stated.
He called on all stakeholders to renew their commitment towards the welfare of children including proper healthcare, discipline and helping them build their self confidence.
“Parents and families should be committed to ensuring that these little ones get the proper care and love they deserve,”he stated.
Some Traditional and Religious leaders at the event made a commitment to protect the rights of children in the country and assured to deal with persons who infringe on the rights of children.
Ghana l Atinkaonline.com l Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
