Child Advocate Calls for Children’s Voices to Be Heard in Decisions Affecting Them

Child advocate Juanita Antwis has called on the Government and other stakeholders to ensure that children are actively involved in decisions, policies and programmes that directly affect their lives and wellbeing.

She said children deserved to be heard, protected and given meaningful opportunities to express their views on critical issues concerning their education, health, safety, development and general welfare.

According to Miss Antwis, while adults often make decisions based on what they believe to be in the best interest of children, failing to seek and consider their views could lead to policies and interventions that do not adequately address their needs and concerns.

She made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of activities marking Children’s Day.

“We need to be heard and protected,” she stressed, emphasising that children should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of government policies and social interventions but as important stakeholders whose opinions should be taken into account.

Miss Antwis urged the Government, civil society organisations and other child protection stakeholders to establish more safe, inclusive and child-friendly platforms where children could freely express their concerns and share their experiences without fear of intimidation, discrimination or punishment.

She also called for stronger enforcement of existing child protection laws, alongside increased public education to help parents, teachers, community leaders and institutions better understand their responsibilities towards children.

According to her, effective child protection required a collective commitment from all sections of society.

She urged communities to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of child abuse, neglect, exploitation and other forms of violence to the appropriate authorities.

Miss Antwis further appealed to parents and guardians to create supportive home environments where children would feel comfortable discussing their challenges, concerns and experiences.

She noted that when children are given opportunities to participate meaningfully in decisions affecting them, it strengthens the protection of their rights and helps policymakers develop interventions that respond more effectively to their realities.

“Children have a right to participate in matters that affect their lives,” she said, adding that listening to children could help build trust between them and the adults responsible for their care and protection.

She maintained that meaningful child participation should complement, rather than replace, the responsibility of adults to protect children and make decisions in their best interests.

The call comes at a time when child protection stakeholders, particularly the Department of Children in the Central Region, continue to advocate greater attention to children’s rights, protection and welfare.

Stakeholders have consistently emphasised the need for stronger systems to protect children, particularly those vulnerable to abuse, neglect, exploitation and other forms of harm.

Miss Antwis said creating an environment where children are heard, respected and protected would contribute significantly to building a safer and more supportive society in which every child could develop and reach their full potential.