NATIONAL STAKEHOLDERS’ CONSULTATIVE MEETING ON THE AMENDMENT OF CHILD RELATED LEGISLATIONS

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP)through the Department of Children with the support from UNICEF- Ghana held a National Stakeholders’ Consultative meeting on the amendment of the Children’s Act, 1998, (Act 560) and Juvenile Justice Act, 2003 (Act 653) on 3rd August 2023 in Accra.

The purpose of the meeting was to renew the commitment of partners and stakeholders on the amendment process, seek consensus on provisions of the Bill to form justification for Cabinet and Parliamentary approval.

Addressing Stakeholders at the forum, the Minister MoGCSP, Hon Lariba Zuweira Abudu said both Bills when passed will ensure that children are protected and cared for in the country. She added that inputs and comments shared by stakeholders will be consolidated and submitted to the Attorney General for advice.

‘ The Ministry will further present the Bills for Cabinet approval after which Parliamentary approval is sought’, she added. Hon. Lariba Zuweira Abudu thanked Stakeholders and the Development partners for their continuous support and investment towards the amendment of the Bills.

In a speech read on behalf of the Chief Director, Dr Afisah Zakariah, the Director for the Department of Children, Mrs. Florence Ayisi Quartey urged stakeholders to add their inputs into the Bill inorder to come out with pragmatic measures to eradicate child labor. This according to her will provide children the opportunity to grow and thrive in safe and nurturing environment.

On his part the Chairman for the Gender Committee, Hon. Farouk Aliu Mahama made a call on the Government, Civil Society Organizations and and other groups in the country to join forces and take concrete actions and efforts to safeguard the rights of children.

The Country Representative of UNICEF-Ghana pledged UNICEF’s commitment towards improving the lives of the Ghanaian child by creating a desirable environment that will enable all to grow well in an environment free from troubles.

Source: MoGCSP