Kumasi: Madam Aba Oppong, Executive Director of Rights and Responsibilities Initiatives Ghana, has called for greater support for children to discover, nurture, and develop their God-given talents. She emphasized that these abilities could transform lives and contribute significantly to national development.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Oppong highlighted that every child possesses unique gifts and potentials that could flourish with the right guidance, support, and enabling environment. She shared these insights during an interview in Kumasi, stressing the consistent emphasis from child development experts on the importance of talent development in shaping children's confidence, creativity, and future careers.
Madam Oppong pointed out that talents in sports, music, arts, science, leadership, and technology could serve as significant tools for personal growth and economic empowerment. However, many talented children face challenges such as limited opportunities, inadequate facilities, lack of financial support, and even discouragement from parents and society.
She expressed concern that gifted children in rural communities often lack access to platforms that could help them improve their skills and achieve their dreams. Adolescence, she noted, is a critical stage for developing values and skills that shape the future, underscoring the need for empowerment through education, skills training, and opportunities.
Citing a UNICEF Ghana report, Madam Oppong noted that young people aged 10 to 24 constitute about one-third of Ghana's population, highlighting the importance of investing in children and youth development for the country's future growth. Despite challenges, many talented children in Ghana continue to excel in fields such as football, athletics, music, dance, poetry, coding, and entrepreneurship, demonstrating the impact of support in achieving greatness and inspiring others.
She advised parents and schools to not solely focus on academic performance but to also create space for extracurricular activities that help children identify and nurture their natural abilities. Activities such as sports, drama, debate, cultural performances, and creative arts, she explained, build confidence, creativity, and leadership skills.
Madam Oppong emphasized that play is an essential part of child development and should not be denied, noting that play-based learning helps develop cognitive, creative, physical, and emotional skills necessary for thriving in a rapidly changing world. She observed that sports development has become a crucial aspect of child empowerment globally.
Child rights advocates, according to her, believe talent development can help reduce social issues such as unemployment, drug abuse, and crime among young people. Engaging children in productive activities keeps them focused and motivated towards positive goals. Stakeholders, including UNICEF, have introduced social innovation, entrepreneurship, and skills development programs to equip children with practical skills for future careers.
Madam Oppong called on the government to invest more resources in youth centers, sports academies, libraries, and creative arts programs to nurture children's talents from an early age, which could produce future leaders and professionals for the country. She also urged parents to support their children in discovering and developing their talents, aligning career paths with their abilities and passions.