Parental neglect fuelling child abuse in Krachi East – Girl Child Coordinator

Benedicta Razak Sekina, the Municipal Girl Child Education Coordinator for the Krachi East Education Service in the Oti Region, has expressed her worry over the rising cases of child abuse and neglect in the Dambai area. She believes that the trend is primarily caused by parental neglect. During a discussion on the theme “Amplifying Children’s Voices on Abuse in Ghana: Promoting Child Protection, Participation and Advocacy — Breaking the Silence: Empowering Ghanaian Children to Report Local Abuse Without Fear,” Ms. Sekina highlighted that child abuse extends beyond just physical injuries, encompassing neglect leading to unmet basic needs such as schooling, food, clothing, and healthcare.

These unmet needs often force children into living with others and engaging in commercial activities, where they are controlled by guardians or "masters." Ms. Sekina identified four main types of abuse: physical abuse, neglect (physical, emotional, medical, and educational), sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. She emphasized that many of these abuses occur in places where one would expect safety, like homes, schools, and communities, but they remain concealed due to a lack of reporting.

To address this issue, Ms. Sekina stressed the importance of ensuring children’s basic needs are met and keeping them enrolled in school, as these actions could significantly diminish the problem. She urged children to report any form of abuse—physical, emotional, sexual, or exploitation—to the police, warning of the potential long-term impacts these experiences can have on their future.

Additionally, Ms. Sekina advised children to stay away from negative influences and social vices that could impede their development.