Government to unveil children’s justice policy

The government would in June this year unveil a children’s justice policy that seeks to promote child welfare, prevent abuse and protect children from harm.

The policy, which was developed by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and the Department of Social Welfare has been forwarded to Cabinet for approval ahead of its official unveiling.

Speaking at a ceremony to commemorate the International Day of the Family in Tema, the sector  Minister, Nana Oye Lithur, indicated that the policy would make child upbringing a communal responsibility, thereby insulating children from all forms of abuse.

According to her, the Justice for Children Policy (JfCP) would help outline child and family welfare programmes and activities to effectively protect children from all forms of violence, neglect and exploitation.

Organised by the SOS Children’s Villages in Ghana, this year’s celebration, observed on May 15, had the global theme: Men in Charge? Gender Equality and Children’s Rights in Contemporary Families. The programme at the SOS Village was on the theme “The family: An institution for social stability” and was attended by representatives from corporate bodies, traditional rulers and parents.

According to Nana Lithur, children constituted an important set of the family, hence the need for them to be raised in environments that were conducive for their growth and development.

She, therefore, called on stakeholders in the family set-up to endeavour to be abreast of legal and institutional opportunities created by the government to avoid the exploitation of children. 

Orphanages

The minister, however, raised concerns about the operations of some orphanages in the country.

According to her, 83 residential orphanages had so far been closed down, with some 2,238 children being reunited with their extended families, after the ministry had found out that those homes were operating below standard.

“Residential homes being used for these facilities did not meet the required standard for licensing, and can, therefore, not be said to have a conducive environment for children’s growth,” Nana Lithur pointed out.

Care reform

She emphasised that under the ministry’s social development programme, the provisions of the Care Reform Initiative (CRI) were being implemented to ensure maintenance of standards at homes.

She commended the SOS Villages for providing a unique model home that had ensured that many orphaned children benefitted from long-term family-based care.

SOS Villages

The National Director of SOS Children Villages in Ghana, Mr Alexander Mar Kekula, indicated that families played a pivotal role in shaping the future of people.

“The presence of a sound family builds the stability of a child, makes the child grow and develop a sense of belonging,” Mr Kekula indicated.

He pointed out that marking the family day was key to SOS which had assumed parental and guidance role of many children who were orphaned through illness, poverty or even death.

“Our testimonials over the years show that we don’t just provide these children with their basic needs, but also their psychological, emotional, academic and career needs,” he said.

The National Communications and Fundraising Advisor of SOS Villages, Nii Commey, for his part stressed that the school provided community intervention programmes for children who were unable to get space in the villages.

“Our work is guided by values, credibility and accountability. The story of an orphan in our care must be that of a success story, an ever-changing one. So if a child was brought to the village sick and in tatters, it behoves on us to ensure we raise enough funds to transform their lives,” he said.

Writer’s email: delarussel@gmail.com