Child protection workshop in Ho calls for increased government funding and resources for children’s programmes

Participants at a child protection workshop in Ho have urged the government and local Assemblies to commit more resources to children’s programmes and activities, citing inadequate funding as a barrier to effective child protection and development at the district, regional, and national levels.

The one-day intensive capacity-building workshop was organised by SOS Children’s Villages in collaboration with Friends of Adaklu, under the theme “Enhancing Institutional Capacity of Community Structures for Effective Child Protection at All Levels,” and held under the auspices of the Department of Children and the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC).

Attended by members of the Adaklu District and Volta Regional Child Protection Committees (CPCs), the workshop aimed to strengthen participants’ capacity to coordinate, monitor, and respond to child protection issues efficiently. It also sought to foster collaboration among stakeholders in advocating for the well-being of all children, especially those without parental care.

Participants emphasised that increasing budgetary allocations for child-focused programmes would give children a better start in life and called for the resourcing and retooling of the Department of Children and the Department of Social Welfare to enable them to perform their mandates effectively.

“It is pathetic to hear that officers of these departments sometimes rely on their personal resources for official work,” they noted.

Alhaji Avona Mohammed Akape, Chief Director of the VRCC, stressed in his opening remarks that children are the most important asset of any country and called for their protection and promotion of their well-being.

Mr Anthony Owusu Gyamfi, National Programmes Director of SOS Children’s Villages, added that equipping CPC members with the necessary resources, knowledge, and skills would empower them to protect children from harm and promote their interests.

Madam Agartha Agbogah, a workshop participant, told the Ghana News Agency that she gained valuable insight into child protection issues and felt better prepared to carry out her responsibilities in caring for children.

ADVERTISEMENT