The Parliamentary Select Committee on Human Rights, with technical support from the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) and UNICEF Ghana, visited the Suhum Municipality to engage stakeholders on issues relating to child rights, child abuse, and the protection and welfare of children in the Municipality.
The Municipal Co-ordinating Director, Alhaji Abdul-Rahim T. Musah, Esq., welcomed the Committee and all participants present. In his remarks, he emphasised the importance of protecting children’s rights, noting that children are an integral part of every household and therefore require the collective attention, care, and protection of all stakeholders.
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Human Rights, Hon. Ernest Yaw Anim, stated that the protection of children is a shared responsibility. He emphasized that every child deserves the opportunity to grow in a safe and supportive environment, remain in school, and develop his or her full potential.
He noted that child labour and child marriage continue to pose significant threats to these opportunities. According to him, child labour, in particular, interferes with children’s education and undermines their health, development, and future prospects.
He further indicated that child marriage can negatively affect girls’ education, learning opportunities, and access to technology, while exposing them to significant vulnerabilities. He identified poverty, school dropout, and limited livelihood opportunities as some of the underlying factors contributing to child rights violations.
The Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, Mr. Ernest Evans Ewusi, delivered a presentation on child rights abuses affecting children in the Suhum Municipality. His presentation highlighted some of the challenges confronting children and the need for strengthened interventions to protect their rights, welfare, and well-being.
Hon. Frank Aseidu Bekoe, M.P. for Suhum, in his closing remarks, expressed his appreciation to the Honourable Speaker of Parliament for inaugurating the Human Rights Committee. He also thanked the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Honourable Lydia Ohenewaa Sarah, the Suhum Municipal Assembly, Chiefs, opinion leaders, and other stakeholders for their continued cooperation and support in promoting human rights and child protection within the Municipality.
Following the presentation, the team proceeded to Jato, where they continued the engagement with community members to discuss child rights issues, challenges, and possible measures to promote the protection and well-being of children in the community.
The engagement forms part of efforts to strengthen collaboration among Parliament, local authorities, development partners, and communities in addressing child rights violations and creating a safer, more supportive, and child-friendly environment for all children.