The Ministries of Gender, Children and Social Protection and of Local Government and Rural Development in collaboration with UNICEF and partners encouraged Ghanaians to join a movement called Ghanaians Against Child Abuse (GACA).<\/p>\n
The movement launched today by the Second Lady of the Republic of Ghana Samira Bawumia to prevent all forms of child abuse, unveiled the GACA logo branding and messaging and delivered the key note address at an event held at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Accra.<\/p>\n
Currently in Ghana more than 90 per cent of children have experienced some form of physical violence. \u00a0More than 21 per cent of women aged between 20 and 24 years were married before the age of 18. \u00a0Sixteen per cent of girls aged between 15 and 19 years old had their first experience of sexual intercourse forced against their will.<\/p>\n
While an estimated 23 per cent of children aged between five and 14 years are engaged in some form of economic activity in Ghana.\u00a0 This high level of abuse of all forms has prompted the need for stakeholders to take stronger action to stem the tide of such abuses.<\/p>\n
GACA is in line with the Government\u2019s Child and Family Welfare and Justice for Children policies that provide the framework for strengthening the child protection system to prevent and respond appropriately to issues of child abuse.<\/p>\n
Explaining more about the GACA movement, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Honourable Otiko Djaba said: \u2018\u2018what we seek to achieve ultimately with the Ghanaians Against Child Abuse movement is to mobilize communities, parents, traditional rulers, families and individuals across our country to stand against all forms of child abuse.<\/p>\n
This call to action is for everyone to be committed to ensuring a safer Ghana for our children and put children first. We invite everyone to become a Ghanaian Against Child Abuse – I am a GACA and I call on you too to become a GACA.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Honourable Alima Mahama expressed her support for movement and said, \u201cAs the GACA movement is launched today, I call on all Metropolitan,<\/p>\n
Municipal and District Assemblies to commit resources to ensure regular engagements with families and communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her Excellency the Second Lady of Ghana, Mrs. Bawumia expressed her support to the GACA movement to stop child abuse:\u00a0 \u201cas a mother, ensuring the protection and well-being of children is extremely important to me. So today I pledge to be a GACA.\u00a0 And I personally pledge to support the call on all Ghanaians to take action against all forms of child abuse.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
Speaking at the launch of GACA, UNICEF Ghana Representative a.i. Rushnan Murtaza said: \u201cthe timing of the launch of this important movement could not be more appropriate. Recently we celebrated World Children\u2019s Day, and the International Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse. For the success and future of any country, we must ensure the protection, safety and opportunities for all children.\u00a0 We are excited for the potential momentum and impact of the GACA movement, which encourages the spirit of intolerance and speaking out. UNICEF and partners are confident that it won\u2019t be long before we see that every Ghanaian has become a champion against child abuse and declared themselves a GACA.\u201d<\/p>\n
Over the initial months of the launch of the GACA movement, the Government of Ghana in collaboration with UNICEF with the support of Global Affairs Canada, the Korea International Co-operation Agency (KOICA) and the United States and civil society organisations will use various channels including the media to create awareness on child abuse issues whilst mobilizing nationwide support to provide a safe and protective environment for children to develop to their full potential.<\/p>\n
It is anticipated that this movement will help to change the narrative of how Ghanaians protect children from all forms of violence, abuse and exploitation.<\/p>\n
GACA is led by the Government of Ghana in collaboration with UNICEF and with the support of Global Affairs Canada, the Korea International Co-operation Agency (KOICA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).<\/p>\n
–<\/p>\n
Credit: UNICEF<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Ministries of Gender, Children and Social Protection and of Local Government and Rural Development in collaboration with UNICEF and partners encouraged Ghanaians to join a movement called Ghanaians Against Child Abuse (GACA). The movement launched today by the Second Lady of the Republic of Ghana Samira Bawumia to prevent all forms of child abuse, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":376805,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[2],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n