CEDEPA GHANA LAUNCHES PHASE TWO OF THE PROMOTING CHILD RIGHTS PROJECT

CEDEPA Ghana officially launched the second phase of the Promoting Child Rights and Equal Opportunities for Children in the Streets and Other Vulnerable Situations in Ghana project. The launch event, held on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the Tamale Disability Center, which brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from state agencies, civil society organizations (CSOs), child protection committees (CPCs), and community leaders, all committed to advancing child rights and safeguarding vulnerable children across Ghana.

The event commenced with a welcome address by the Project Lead for CEDEPA Ghana, Mr. Alhassan Ziblim. In his speech, he reiterated CEDEPA Ghana’s mission to promote the rights and well-being of vulnerable groups, particularly children in underserved communities. He highlighted that this phase of the project focuses on raising awareness about child rights and safeguarding principles within communities, establishing and training child protection committees, and advocating for child protection measures in schools. He emphasised that the initiative aligns with CEDEPA’s broader vision of ensuring that all children, regardless of their circumstances, are protected, nurtured, and given equal opportunities to thrive.

The project launch was chaired by the Guest Speaker, the Tamale Metro Director for the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Mr. Tahiru Imoro. He delivered a presentation on The Role of NCCE in Empowering Citizen Groups to Lead Public Sensitization and Safeguarding of Child Rights in Rural Communities. He noted the importance of community-led advocacy in protecting children from abuse, exploitation, and neglect. He urged parents and guardians to desist from overburdening children with responsibilities beyond their capabilities and to avoid practices that amount to child labor. He stressed that parents have a duty to provide for their children’s basic needs, including education, food, and shelter. He cautioned that failure to do so often pushes children toward social vices such as theft, substance abuse, and delinquency.

Mr. Imoro further expressed concern over the growing reluctance of some parents and communities to adhere to child protection policies and societal regulations designed to safeguard young ones. He called for stronger parental engagement and emphasised the role of teachers and community members as watchdogs in ensuring that children receive the necessary guidance and support to secure a better future.

Following his speech, Mr. Imoro led the swearing-in ceremony of the newly established Child Protection Committees (CPCs), which will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the project’s objectives in their respective communities. The CPC members, drawn from communities such as Zangbalin, Gbremani, Kpilo, Yipeligu, Bagliga, and Kotingli, pledged to work tirelessly in protecting the rights of children, promoting child safeguarding, and supporting youth development in their communities.

He then reaffirms NCCE’s commitment to collaborating with parents, schools, and institutions to provide quality education and ensure a secure environment for children’s holistic development.

Also, a representative of the Regional Education Directorate, Mr. Sayibu Mohammed Sule, spoke on the role of school administrators and teachers in safeguarding child rights in rural and underserved districts of Northern Ghana. He pleaded with educators to go beyond classroom instruction and take an active interest in the welfare of their students. He urged teachers to serve as mentors and role models, guiding children in all aspects of life to ensure they grow into responsible citizens.

The Deputy Director of Social Welfare for the Tamale Metro, Madam Rashida Mohammed emphasised that every child has fundamental rights, including access to education, proper nutrition, and a safe home environment. She warned that when parents fail to meet these basic needs, children often resort to risky behaviors such as theft, substance abuse, and association with negative peer influences. She urged parents to exercise greater care and vigilance over their children’s activities, stressing that no child should be left unsupervised late at night, as this exposes them to numerous dangers.

The Director of the African Development Organization for Migration (AFDOM) and a representative of the Coalition of NGOs Against Streetism (CONAS), Mr. Abdullah, also delivered a solidarity message, stressing on the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing child vulnerability. He commended CEDEPA Ghana for its commitment to child protection and encouraged other organizations to support initiatives that foster safer environments for children.

An interactive open forum was held, where CSOs, state agencies, and CPC representatives engaged in discussions on The Role of Local Communities in Child Protection and Safeguarding. Participants shared experiences, challenges, and practical solutions to strengthen child protection measures at the grassroots level. The discussions highlighted the importance of a coordinated approach involving government institutions, traditional authorities, community members, and advocacy groups to create a sustainable framework for child protection.

The launch event witnessed an impressive turnout of over 70 participants, including CPC representatives from various communities. The enthusiasm and commitment displayed by attendees reaffirmed the importance of collective action in ensuring a safer future for children in Ghana. The launch served as a call to action for all stakeholders to actively participate in child protection efforts and work towards creating a society where every child’s rights are respected and upheld.

Story by:

Yussif Ismail (CEDEPA Ghana)