DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN COMMEMORATES 35 YEARS OF THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS AND WELFARE OF THE CHILD

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), through its Department of Children, with support from World Vision Ghana, organised a one-day stakeholders’ forum to mark the 35th Anniversary of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).

Held under the theme “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010,” the forum aimed to mobilise political will, strengthen partnerships, and ensure resource allocation that promotes the rights and participation of every child in Ghana.

Delivering the keynote on behalf of the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Ag. Director of the Department of Children, Mr. Sefah Alexander Boadu, highlighted government’s investments in child welfare through the Free Maternal Health Care Policy, expansion of the National Health Insurance Scheme, and provision of free basic and secondary education. He noted that birth registration reached 93% in 2022, and the Ministry’s budget increased from GHS 1,487 million in 2023 to GHS 2,393 million in 2024, reflecting strong government commitment to children’s rights.

Mr. Boadu observed that children constitute 40% of Ghana’s population, calling for deliberate and sustained action to address inequalities in education spending, delays in disbursements, and financing gaps in child protection. He also cautioned that external shocks such as COVID-19, climate change, and inflation have reversed some gains, leaving many children vulnerable to child marriage, child labour, and gender-based violence. He called for greater accountability in resource allocation, stronger collaboration, and inclusion of children’s voices in decision-making.

Mr. Gregory Dery, Child Protection, Safeguarding and Advocacy Manager of World Vision Ghana, commended government’s prioritisation of child rights but highlighted persistent challenges such as poverty, malnutrition, harmful practices, digital risks, and climate change. He reaffirmed World Vision’s commitment through the ENOUGH Campaign, which targets 3.5 million vulnerable children with interventions in education, health, nutrition, and protection, and called for inclusive budgeting and stronger partnerships.

Technical presentations from the Ministry of Finance, UNICEF, UNDP, and other partners reviewed Ghana’s progress in planning and budgeting for children’s rights since 2010, identifying key accelerators for improving outcomes amid limited resources.

A panel discussion on the event’s theme concluded the forum, engaging cross-sector experts on strategies for enhancing resource allocation and promoting inclusive participation to safeguard children’s rights.

The event closed with a renewed national commitment to uphold the legacy of the African Charter, ensuring that every Ghanaian child grows up safe, healthy, educated, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Source: MoGCSP