Sunyani: Mr. George Yaw Ankamah, the Bono Regional Director of the Department of Children, is calling for stiffer punishment for people who violate the fundamental human rights and dignity of children. He emphasized that the maltreatment of children remains a serious crime and an affront to the 1992 Constitution and other international conventions.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ankamah made these remarks during an interview in Sunyani, reacting to a disturbing viral video showing a young child being brutally and inhumanely assaulted. The Ghana Police Service has arrested two suspects in connection with the crime so far. Mr. Ankamah highlighted that Ghana was the first nation to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which stresses the importance of protecting children's rights and well-being. However, he expressed concern that this convention is often overlooked due to socio-cultural and religious beliefs.
He further noted that the maltreatment of children reflects broader social ills and stressed the need for collective efforts to safeguard children's rights and create a safe environment for their holistic growth. Mr. Ankamah stated, "In fact, stiffer punishment for child abusers is necessary to serve as deterrence to like-minded others who cause various forms of harm to children."
Mr. Ankamah reiterated that children have the right to protection from abuse, exploitation, and violence. He warned that child abuse could lead to severe and long-lasting consequences, including physical and emotional trauma, and even death. He urged families to take responsibility for protecting their children and to correct them when necessary, emphasizing the importance of parents spending quality time with their children.
Additionally, Mr. Ankamah advised parents to monitor their children's use of social media, which could potentially influence them adversely.
