Children urged to report abuse without fear

Ella Faith Ashong, the Acting Oti Regional Director for the Department of Children, has called upon Ghanaian children to speak out against child abuse without fear. She encouraged communities across the country to establish safe spaces where children feel empowered to disclose abuse and receive the necessary support. During a recent event in Dambai, Ashong emphasized that child abuse encompasses more than just physical injuries; it can also involve acts of neglect or exploitation.

The four main forms of abuse, she explained, are physical, neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse.

Ashong highlighted that such abuses frequently happen in places we consider secure, like homes, schools, and communities, yet remain unreported due to various factors. These include fear of stigma, threats from the abusers, cultural acceptance of harsh discipline, ineffective or inaccessible reporting systems, and limited understanding of children's rights. She also warned that adults may harm children without realizing the long-lasting impacts of their actions.

Ashong pointed out that the phrase "FIE ASEM, ENKO ABONTEN" (family matters should not be discussed outside) often shields perpetrators rather than protecting the victims. She stressed that no tradition should take precedence over a child's right to safety and justice. She advocated for child protection initiatives that actively involve children, noting that many existing programs neglect their input, resulting in programs that don't fully address their needs.

She urged parents, educators, community and religious leaders, the media, and other stakeholders to collaborate and create an environment where children can report abuse without fear and be taken seriously. In conversations with Adom News, some young people echoed these concerns and emphasized the need for greater community courage to listen to children and help end the silence surrounding child abuse.