"We want to grow up safe, educated, healthy and well respected. We are the future of the region,but we need your support today. Please act now, Protect us now invest in us now"', Master Francis appealed during the presentation of communique to the Regional Minister of the Savannah Region.
The Communique was presented as part of activities marking the annual Regional Child Protection Forum held in Damongo, Savannah Region, under the theme, " Leaving No Child Behind Strengthening Formal and Informal stakeholders for meaningful engagement on child protection issues in the region, the ripple effects of these challenges, and proposed solutions to address them.
The key concerns highlighted included; high rates of child marriage, persistent female Genital Mutilation ( FGM) , Children Living with Disabilities being kept in prayer camps, more than 43.2% of Children in the Savannah Region have never attended school, the highest in Ghana according to the 2021 census.
The Children therefore issued a strong call to all stakeholders: Act now.
The Paramount Chief of Damongo, Damangowura Seidu Boresa,who chaired the event, applauded Children Believe and partners for organizing the forum. He emphasized that the issues discussed affect children not only in the Savannah Region but across Ghana and called for more such programmes in all districts and regions to continuously remind stakeholders of their duty to protect children.
In her remarks, Madam Esenam Kavi De Souza, Country Director of Children Believe, reiterated that children have an inherent right to live free from violence, abuse , exploitation, and neglect .She noted that over 1 billion children globally experience violence every year.
The 2025 UN Child Rights Committee ( CRC) report raises concern in Ghana despite the existence of the National Strategic Framework for the Elimination of Child Marriage 2017- 2026.The harmful practices including child marriage, FGM,and inadequate care for children with mental health challenges persist, particularly in the North East, Northern and Savannah Regions.
It empowers children to understand their rights, identify protection gaps, and contribute solutions making the event part of a broader effort to achieve SDG 16.2. Ending all forms of violence against children.To protect every Ghanaian child and help them survive, thrive,and reach their full potential, she called for collective action from Families, Community Leaders, School authorities, Religious leaders, State institutions, and Commitment from Regional Authorities.
Receiving the Communique on behalf of the Regional Minister, the Regional Director of the Department of Children, Mr. Ben Nkrumah, acknowledged its importance.
He appealed to the Yagbonwura to establish a committee to monitor children's safety and mobility and reaffirmed government's commitment to ensuring children are enrolled, retained, and complete school.
The Stakeholders collectively agreed Traditional authorities must stop interfering in the work of the police and other security agencies, parents must take responsibility as the first protection of their children and prioritize the best interests of the child, District assemblies will pass and gazette bylaws to strengthen national child protection laws, NCCE will intensify public advocacy to help end FGM and Government and partners will work to improve the number and quality of special schools and ensure children with disabilities receive appropriate care and support.
