Lariba Zuweira Abudu
Stakeholders have urged the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MOGCSP) to ensure robust laws that protect the child.
The stakeholders made the call at the final national consultative meeting on the amendment of the Children’s Act, 1998, (Act 560) and Juvenile Justice Act, 2003 (Act 653) hosted by the MOGCSP in Accra.
The Children’s Rights Bill, intended to safeguard and promote the rights of every child in Ghana, aims to provide special attention to the rights of children considering their vulnerability and developmental needs.
Additionally, the Child Justice Administration Bill seeks to enhance the criminal justice system for children, ensuring their rights are well protected.
Circuit court judge, Ellen Ofie Ayeh, representing the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, explained in detail the journey of child protection in the country.
According to her, with a robust legislation and policing system, children are better placed to grow up in a safe environment and achieve their greatest potential.
“The Children’s Bill in 219 sections, will introduce the right to play and social activity, the right to an opinion, protection from drugs, protection from cyber /online crimes, protection from sexual abuse/exploitation, protection from and criminalization of unreasonable force under corporal punishment vis a vis section 41(1) (a) of the Criminal Offences Act, Act 29, as amended regarding the use of force or a blow by parents, offenses related to adoption,” she said.
She further noted that the reunification orders for parents and guardians, determination of age in the judicial process, foster care agreement and services, and child protection code will also be properly captured in the law.
MOGCSP Minister, Lariba Zuweira Abudu, said the inputs and comments shared will be consolidated and submitted to the Attorney General for advice.
She said the final document will then present the Bills for Cabinet approval, after which Parliamentary passage would be sought.
She indicated that, when these two Bills are passed, they will ensure that children are well protected and cared for in a more dignified manner.
Madam Zuweira Abudu commended development partners like UNICEF for its continued support and investment towards the entire system strengthening and the amendment.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri