Statement on Recent Cases of Child Abuse in Ghana By Hon. Hajia Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, Member of Parliament for
Salaga South Constituency
Date: June 24, 2025
1. Mr. Speaker, I begin by expressing my profound gratitude to the organizers of the recent Inter-Parliamentary Union on Human Rights for convening a very vital workshop in Accra. It was an honor to join fellow parliamentarians and human rights advocates in our shared mission to advance justice, dignity, and protection for all, particularly the most vulnerable.
2. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to address an urgent matter of national and global concern: the persistent scourge of child abuse and the critical need to safeguard the rights of vulnerable populations. Despite Ghana’s robust legislative framework, including the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560) and the Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732), child abuse remains a pervasive challenge. The 2023 Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey reveals that approximately 22% of children aged 1-14 experience violent discipline, with reports of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse occurring with alarming frequency. These violations not only contravene the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Ghana is a signatory, but also jeopardize the physical, psychological, and social development of our children.
3. Mr. Speaker, Vulnerable groups—children, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities—face heightened risks due to systemic inequalities, social stigma, and inadequate protective mechanisms. Poverty, limited access to education, and weak enforcement of child protection laws further exacerbate these challenges.
4. Mr. Speaker, as lawmakers and custodians of human rights, we must intensify our efforts to address these issues through the following measures:
• Strengthen Legal Frameworks and Enforcement: Bolster the capacity of law enforcement and judicial systems to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate cases of child abuse effectively, ensuring adequate resources and specialized training.
• Promote Awareness and Education: Launch nationwide campaigns to educate communities on the rights of children and vulnerable groups, fostering a culture of zero tolerance for abuse and encouraging the reporting of violations.
• Support Victims and Survivors: Expand psychosocial support, rehabilitation programs, and safe shelters to aid victims in their recovery and reintegration into society.
• Foster Multi-Sectoral Collaboration: Encourage partnerships among government, civil society, traditional authorities, and international organizations to build a comprehensive and sustainable child protection ecosystem.
5. Mr. Speaker, on 25th June, 2025 whist the Inter-Parliamentary Union on Human Rights workshop was ongoing, a deeply disturbing video surfaced on social media, depicting a 12-year-old child in a Ghanaian community, bound with nylon ropes to a roof and brutally beaten by three adults. This shocking footage, was first brought to my attention as I traveled to attend the Inter-Parliamentary Union on Human Rights Workshop and it compelled me to act swiftly. I mobilized my network to identify the location of this heinous crime, and I was heartened by the rapid response that followed.
6. Mr. Speaker, I commend the Ghana Police Service, for their swift and professional response in rescuing the 12-year-old victim depicted in the viral video. As confirmed by the Regional Police Headquarters in Sekondi, the two suspects were arrested, and the child received immediate medical attention before being reunited with his father. This decisive action underscores the importance of a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and serves as a model for effective intervention.
7. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, protecting children and vulnerable groups is not only a legal obligation but a moral imperative that reflects our society’s values and commitment to human dignity. As parliamentarians, we have the power to enact transformative policies that ensure every child and vulnerable individual thrives in an environment free from abuse and discrimination.
8. Let us reaffirm our collective resolve to champion human rights, protect the vulnerable, and build a future where every child in Ghana—and beyond—can live in safety and dignity.
9. I thank you Mr. Speaker for the opportunity.
