(From left) Anne Claire-Dufay, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare and Ken Ofori-Atta at the event
The Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, has indicated the country’s resolve to fight child prostitution and pornography.
Madam Osei-Opare, said the country would soon ratify the “Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography.”
The ratification of the protocol which was adopted in 2002 would ensure the prohibition of the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography by State parties.
It also enjoins State parties to adopt or strengthen, implement and disseminate laws, administrative measures, social policies and programmes to prevent the offences referred to in the Protocol with particular attention given to protect children who are especially vulnerable to such practices, among others.
Madam Osei-Opare said Ghana would, therefore, ensure that investments in children were prioritised so no child is left behind.
She was speaking at the 70th Anniversary of UNICEF Ghana, in Accra on the theme: “Celebrating UNICEF at 75: Promoting Children’s Rights”.
The Chief Of Staff commended the UN agency for its consistent support to the country in protecting the rights of children and ensuring their wellbeing.
She indicated that UNICEF’s work is evident in the quality of data produced with the Ghana Statistical Service and National Development Planning Commission to strengthen integrated systems across various fields.
She said there had been a significant improvement in fighting child marriage, child sexual exploitation and abuse through the Cyber Security Act 2020 in the country.
Madam Osei-Opare also expressed gratitude to UNICEF for its contribution to Ghana’s fight against the Covid-19 pandemic through the procuring of vaccines, vaccine storage equipment, and provision of technical assistance to the Ghana Health Service (GHS).
Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, who graced the occasion said, “We have a strong resolve to build a nation that ensures that its children are cared for and supported,” he added.
UNICEF Country Representative, Anne Claire-Dufay, said promoting gender equality, access to improved equal services, and improved gender-based analysis were the hallmark of UNICEF and reiterated the commitment of her office to help protect children’s rights nationwide.
“UNICEF never gives up even as we go through many challenges in many countries. We are determined to reach each child despite those difficulties,” she added.
Director of the Department of Children, Florence Ayisi Quartey, also commended UNICEF for the strategic partnership to enable children access rights to education, basic health, food, and speech, among others.
She also lauded the UN Agency for helping set up Ghana’s children’s parliament.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri