Accra: 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 noted that while adults often make decisions in the best interest of children, they fail to seek their views, which could result in policies and interventions that do not fully address their needs. Ms. Antwis 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 as important stakeholders whose opinions must be considered. She urged the Government to create safe and child-friendly platforms where children could freely share their concerns without fear of intimidation or discrimination.
Ms. Antwis further called for stronger enforcement of child protection laws and increased public education to enable parents, teachers, community leaders, and institutions to better understand their responsibilities towards children. She highlighted that protecting children required a collective effort and added that communities must 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.
The 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.