Accra: Dr. Hilda Boye, President of the Paediatric Society of Ghana, has called on healthcare professionals and communities to actively prevent behaviors that could expose children to abuse. She emphasized that child protection involves more than just responding to abuse incidents after they occur; it requires creating safe environments where children feel heard, respected, and empowered to discuss experiences that cause them discomfort.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Boye made these remarks during a webinar on child protection organized by the Social Paediatrics Speciality Group of the Paediatric Society of Ghana. The event followed public debate over comments made about a child by a Member of Parliament, which highlighted the need for public education on child protection and distinguishing between culturally accepted behaviors and those that could endanger children.
Dr. Boye pointed out that violence against children is a significant public health issue, often hidden due to children's fear, manipulation, threats, or lack of knowledge about where to seek help. She referenced UNICEF estimates indicating that around 90 million children alive today have experienced sexual violence, and more than 370 million girls and women worldwide have faced rape or sexual assault before age 18.
She further noted that child abuse is estimated to cost Ghana over 200 million dollars annually through healthcare expenses, lost productivity, educational disruption, and social welfare interventions. Dr. Boye stressed that healthcare professionals, as trusted adults, must recognize signs of abuse, respond appropriately, document findings, and collaborate with child protection agencies to enhance children's welfare.
Dr. Adoma Odame, a Senior Paediatric Specialist, highlighted the importance of identifying grooming behaviors early to prevent children from progressing to more serious forms of sexual abuse. She shared a case involving a 13-year-old girl who was sexually abused by four individuals, three of whom were known to her, during the COVID-19 period when she was at home for nine months.
Dr. Odame explained that perpetrators might not start with sexual abuse but could begin by establishing trust, giving children money, or making seemingly acceptable comments before introducing inappropriate behavior. This process can alter a child's understanding of normalcy, increasing vulnerability to further abuse. She urged parents, caregivers, and professionals to take early warning signs seriously and warned against justifying inappropriate conduct involving children through cultural or social practices.
Both experts underscored the critical role healthcare workers play in safeguarding children by identifying risks, responding to disclosures, and helping to interrupt the progression from grooming to sexual abuse. They called on stakeholders to strengthen collaboration among families, schools, healthcare facilities, and child protection agencies to create safer environments where children can grow, speak up, and thrive.