Create Safe Spaces for Children to Speak Against Abuse — Gender Ministry Urges Ghanaians
Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey calls on parents, teachers, religious and traditional leaders to listen to children and protect them from all forms of abuse
Date: September 2, 2026
By: Ebenezer Adugyamfi/ Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has called on parents, teachers, religious leaders, traditional authorities and community members to create safe environments where children can report abuse without fear of intimidation, shame or rejection.
The appeal was made during Ghana’s 2026 National Children’s Day Celebration in Accra, where government renewed its commitment to strengthening child protection and ensuring that every child has the confidence to speak up when their rights are violated.
The celebration was held on the theme: “Amplifying Children’s Voices on Abuse in Ghana: Promoting Child Protection, Participation and Advocacy.”
Every child deserves to be heard
In a speech delivered on her behalf by the Acting Director of the Department of Children, Mr. Sefah Alexander Boadu, Gender Minister Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey stressed that creating safe spaces begins with adults who are willing to listen.
She said many children remain silent about abuse because they fear they will not be believed or may face punishment for speaking out. The Minister urged parents and caregivers to take every complaint seriously and respond with compassion rather than judgment.
According to her, protecting children requires more than responding after abuse occurs—it demands building homes, schools and communities where children feel respected, valued and safe enough to express themselves freely.
National Children’s Day highlights children’s voices
Dr. Lartey explained that the Ministry’s Children’s Voices Sessions, organised across Ghana’s regions, have provided young people with opportunities to share their experiences and recommend solutions to issues affecting their wellbeing.
She said the responsibility now rests with government institutions and stakeholders to ensure that the concerns raised by children translate into stronger policies, better safeguarding systems and improved support services.
The Minister reaffirmed that every Ghanaian child deserves safety, dignity and protection, regardless of age, gender, disability or social background.
Greater Accra Minister calls for collective action
Also addressing the celebration, Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Obenewaa Ocloo called for stronger collaboration among families, schools, law enforcement agencies, social workers, health professionals and civil society organisations.
She urged traditional and religious leaders to use their influence to promote child protection within their communities and help eliminate harmful practices that place children at risk.
According to her, creating communities where children can learn, play and grow without fear requires sustained commitment from every sector of society.
Encouraging children to speak up
A key message throughout the event was directed at children themselves.
The Ministry encouraged children experiencing abuse, neglect or unsafe situations to report their concerns to a trusted adult and reminded them not to lose hope if their first disclosure is ignored.
Officials said children should continue seeking help from responsible adults, teachers, social workers, law enforcement agencies and recognised child protection institutions until they receive the support they need.
Protecting Ghana’s future
The 2026 National Children’s Day celebration concluded with a renewed national pledge to place children at the centre of policy and community life.
For the Gender Ministry, creating safe spaces is not simply about providing physical protection—it is about building a culture where every child knows their voice matters, their experiences are believed and their future is worth protecting.
