Hon. Zuwera Calls for Urgent Action Against Child Abuse, Cites Cases Across Ghana
The Member of Parliament for Salaga South Constituency, Hon. Hajia Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, has called for urgent and coordinated action to tackle child abuse in Ghana, citing a number of recent cases reported from different parts of the country.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahimah expressed concern over what she described as the continued exposure of children to violence, neglect, and abuse in homes, schools, and communities. She said stronger laws, effective enforcement mechanisms, and sustained public education were necessary to safeguard the rights and welfare of children.
The lawmaker referenced several incidents that have recently drawn public attention, including reported cases in Newankase, Dodowa, Aja in the Central Region, and North Legon. She noted that one of the most disturbing cases involved an eight-year-old pupil in Dodowa, whom she personally visited alongside members of the family.
According to her, the visit revealed the physical and emotional trauma suffered by the child, underscoring the urgent need for stronger interventions to protect vulnerable children.
Hon. Ibrahimah also cited reports of severe corporal punishment in a school in Aja and another incident in North Legon, which she said was prevented from escalating due to the timely intervention of a concerned bystander.
She commended the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, for leading a delegation to visit affected children and for the ministry's response to the reported incidents.
The Member of Parliament outlined a number of proposals for Parliament's consideration, including strengthening existing legal frameworks, ensuring swift investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases, mandatory child safeguarding training for educators, caregivers and institutional staff, and legal protection for whistleblowers who report abuse.
She also advocated nationwide public education campaigns on children's rights, the promotion of a culture of zero tolerance for abuse, and the expansion of support services for child victims and survivors.
"Prosecutions in all cases of child abuse must proceed with the full weight of the law. Accountability and visible consequences are essential to deter offenders and to affirm that children's rights are not negotiable," Hon. Ibrahimah said.
She urged Ghanaians to report suspected cases of child abuse to the Ghana Police Service's Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), the Department of Social Welfare, or through the national emergency number 112.
The lawmaker further encouraged members of the public to report online content depicting harm to children directly to the relevant hosting platforms, stressing that protecting children is a collective responsibility requiring vigilance from all sectors of society.
Hon. Ibrahimah reaffirmed her commitment to advocating policies and interventions that promote the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every child in Ghana.
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