Tamale: The second phase of the Promoting Child Rights and Equal Opportunities for Children in Street and other Vulnerable Situations project has been launched in Tamale. This initiative is focused on increasing awareness about child rights and safeguarding principles within the communities and schools of Bagliga, Yipeligu, and Kpilo, located in the Tamale, Tolon, and Kumbungu Assemblies.
According to Ghana News Agency, the first phase of the project ran from 2021 to 2024 and was implemented in the communities of Kotingli, Gbrimani, and Zangbalun, also within the Tamale, Tolon, and Kumbungu Districts. The project is a joint effort by the Centre for Development and Policy Advocacy (CEDEPA Ghana), based in Tamale, and Safe Child Advocacy, an NGO in Kumasi. It receives funding from Misereor in Germany and Adamfo Ghana in the Netherlands.
Mr. Ziblim Alhassan, a Development Consultant and Research Fellow at CEDEPA Ghana, highlighted during the launch event the project’s aim to engage stakeholders in discussions that would foster collaborative efforts to improve the welfare of children in northern Ghana. He stated that the initiative is in line with the shared goal of promoting the rights and safety of children, particularly those in vulnerable situations.
The project plans to establish and train community Child Protection Committees (CPC) and enhance the capacity of teachers and school administrators to protect the rights of schoolchildren. Mr. Tahiru Imoro, the Tamale Metropolitan Director, National Commission for Civic Education, swore in 54 CPC members from the six project communities and called for collective efforts to ensure the well-being of children and other vulnerable groups.
Mr. Imoro also encouraged parents, teachers, and other community stakeholders to actively participate in children’s development by setting positive examples for them. He called on the media to increase advocacy and awareness about the importance of protecting the rights of children and vulnerable groups.
Madam Rashida Mohammed, Head of Community Development, Department of Social Welfare, Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, emphasized children’s rights to quality education, shelter, clothing, nutritious food, and other necessities for their well-being. Mr. Abdul-Majeed Musah, a Principal Community Development Officer, representing the Northern Regional Director, Department of Social Welfare, urged stakeholders, especially CPC members, to apply the insights gained during the program to enhance their work within the communities.