The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has outlined a series of government interventions aimed at addressing the rising issue of child hawking and the growing number of children living on the streets.
Speaking in Parliament, Dr. Lartey, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Krowor, expressed deep concern about the plight of vulnerable children and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to their protection. “As the lead coordinating institution for the welfare of children in Ghana, my Ministry is very concerned about this issue,” she told the House.
Dr. Lartey reminded Parliament that Section 16(1) of the Children’s Act, 1998, places responsibility on Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to take all necessary steps to remove children from street situations and ensure their welfare. She revealed that her ministry is working closely with MMDAs, the Department of Social Welfare, the Ghana Police Service, civil society organizations, and development partners to identify, rescue, rehabilitate, and reintegrate children found living and working on the streets.
She also highlighted the government’s focus on tackling the root causes of child hawking and streetism by strengthening poverty alleviation programmes. Key among these are the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) initiative and the Ghana School Feeding Programme, both designed to reduce the economic vulnerabilities that often push children into street life and hazardous labour.
In addition, Dr. Lartey announced plans to intensify public education and awareness campaigns on child exploitation. She emphasized that these efforts form part of a broader strategy to protect the rights and welfare of children nationwide.
The Minister’s remarks underscore the government’s resolve to work with all stakeholders to ensure that every child in Ghana is given the opportunity for a safe and dignified childhood.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com