Parliamentary Human Rights Committee assesses child protection concerns in Suhum, Kyebi

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Human Rights convened residents and stakeholders in Suhum and Abuakwa South municipalities, Eastern Region, to bolster child protection systems and tackle issues of child trafficking, labor exploitation, and other forms of abuse. In partnership with UNICEF Ghana, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), the committee aimed to gather firsthand data on children's challenges to guide parliamentary oversight and future legislation.

Led by Committee Chairman and Kumawu MP, Ernest Yaw Anim, the team conversed with community leaders, social welfare officers, law enforcers, students, and other parties at Jato in Suhum Municipality. Anim emphasized the need for dedicated funding for child protection in all districts, stronger parental responsibility, and improved coordination among families, communities, traditional authorities, and child welfare institutions.

UNICEF's Pauliina Starvilahti stressed proper resource allocation and policy review to enhance support service accessibility for children, noting Ghana's progress but room for improvement. ACEPA's Issifu Lampo warned of weak enforcement against child abuse perpetrators and inadequate victim support, calling for retooling and resourcing of social welfare departments.

In Abuakwa South Municipality, MP Dr Kingsley Agyemang called for more LEAP beneficiaries to aid vulnerable children and expressed concerns over foreign teenagers' involvement in illegal mining and prostitution, suggesting intensified monitoring by security agencies to prevent trafficking and exploitation. The committee aims to use the gathered information to strengthen child protection mechanisms and guide interventions to safeguard children's rights and welfare nationwide.