Sekondi-Takoradi: Compassion Ghana, a non-government organisation, has successfully conducted a two-day capacity-building workshop focused on children's rights protection for its members within the Sekondi-Takoradi cluster. The initiative was aimed at addressing the increasing incidence of child abuse and equipping participants to safeguard children in their communities.
According to Ghana News Agency, the workshop brought together members from Compassion Ghana, government agencies, and church representatives to sensitize caregivers and communities on child protection. The event was designed to provide participants with the necessary tools and training to combat child abuse issues effectively.
Mr. Stephen Larbi Appiah, Partnership Facilitator for the Sekondi-Takoradi cluster of Compassion Ghana, emphasized the importance of child protection within their holistic child and youth development agenda. He highlighted the organisation's collaboration with participants, caregivers, and government agencies to foster resilient families and resourceful child partners through the toolkits training, enabling them to identify, report, and prevent abuse.
He further noted that the intensified sensitisation efforts over the past eight years have resulted in increased awareness among caregivers, participants, child development workers, churches, and communities regarding child abuse issues. As a result, they are now better equipped to report incidents to appropriate authorities such as the Department of Children, Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), and the Social Welfare Department.
Mr. Larbi Appiah also reported that over 3,500 children and youth from 14 church partners in seven administrative districts are under the Sekondi-Takoradi cluster. He mentioned that most of these children are in basic schools, with some having completed tertiary education while others continue in vocational and tertiary institutions.
The workshop also aimed to address the healthcare needs of children and connect them with institutions during internship programs, thus providing them a competitive advantage in the workforce. Madam Abigail Erzoah from the Department of Children reiterated society's responsibility to develop children holistically and emphasized the government's commitment to partnering with civil society organizations and NGOs to protect children's interests.
Madam Joyce Obiri-Yeboah from the Department of Community Development in the Western Region pointed out that the workshop, supported by UNICEF and the government of Ghana, would equip participants with skills to address child protection and adolescent issues. The program also covered the impact of gender norms and stereotypes on adolescents' decision-making.
Mr. Henry Nyanzu Kwoffie, Project Director, highlighted the ongoing efforts to respond to child abuse cases in collaboration with security agencies and family systems. He underscored the project's significant impact over the past seven to eight years, benefiting children in education, health, and caregiving. Compassion Ghana remains committed to collaborating with other agencies to alleviate poverty and social vices among children.
The Sekondi-Takoradi cluster currently tracks about 230 children across 14 projects, focusing on children aged 3 to 22, with plans to equip them for life beyond the program.
