Dakoa Newman
Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dakoa Newman, has urged Ghanaians to unite in protecting the rights of children, citing alarming statistics on child marriage.
Speaking at a national forum to commemorate National Children’s Day in Accra, the minister underscored the crucial role of culture, traditions, and religious beliefs in shaping society’s values.
“Despite policies in place, many children still face harmful practices that rob them of their childhood and future,” she acknowledged.
According to Ms. Newman, child marriage remains a pressing challenge, with over 482,000 girls out of school due to exchange marriages, betrothals, early marriages, poverty, and menstrual hygiene challenges.
“The consequences of child marriage are devastating,” Ms. Newman, who is also the MP for Okaikwei South, warned.
To address this, the minister called for strengthening family units, promoting responsible parenting, traditional, religious, and community leaders to champion children’s rights.
“Let’s build a society that respects and upholds every child’s rights. Safeguarding children’s rights secures our nation’s future,” Ms. Newman said.
The forum, held on September 12, 2024, aimed to transform harmful cultural practices using international and national frameworks such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Children’s Act 1998 (Act 560).
The event was held on the theme, “Building Bridges: Fostering Child Rights through Cultural, Religious, and Traditional Leadership.”
It brought together stakeholders to discuss the intersection of cultural norms, traditional beliefs, and religious practices with child protection and the realisation of children’s rights.
The organisers explained that the celebration of National Children’s Day serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the rights of children and ensuring that they are given the opportunity to reach their full potential.
A Daily Guide Report