Child Advocate Calls for Children’s Voices to Be Heard in Decisions Affecting Them

Cape coast: A child advocate, Ms Juanita Antwis, has called on the Government and other stakeholders to actively involve children in decisions and policies that directly affect their lives and wellbeing. According to Ghana News Agency, the advocate emphasized that children deserved to be heard, protected, and given the opportunity to express their views on matters concerning their education, health, safety, and development. She pointed out that although adults often made decisions in the best interest of children, they failed to seek their views, which could result in policies and interventions that did not fully address their needs. The advocate made the call during an interview at the Oguaa Fetu Afahye children's day event. "We need to be heard and protected," Ms Antwis stated, stressing that children should not only be regarded as beneficiaries of policies but also important stakeholders whose opinions must be considered. Ms Antwis urged the Government to create safe and child-friendly platforms where c hildren could freely share their concerns without fear of intimidation or discrimination. She further called for stronger enforcement of child protection laws and increased public education to help parents, teachers, community leaders, and institutions better understand their responsibilities towards children. Protecting children, she mentioned, required a collective effort, encouraging communities to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of abuse and exploitation to the appropriate authorities. She also appealed to parents and guardians to create an environment where children could confidently speak about challenges affecting them. The meaningful participation of children in decision-making, she indicated, would not only promote their rights but also contribute to building a society where children could grow in safe and supportive environments. This call comes as child protection stakeholders, particularly the Department of Children in the Central Region, continue to advocate for greater attention to children's rights and welfare, especially in areas where children remain vulnerable to abuse, neglect, and exploitation.