Ghana Red Cross to the rescue of street girls

A 220 million cedi rehabilitation project, to give respite to young girls working on the streets of Accra, has been commissioned the by the Ghana Red Cross Society at Agbogbloshie market in Accra. The project, which was initiated by the Ghana Red Cross Society in 1999, had the Swiss Red Cross as the major sponsor. It includes residential facilities of four bedrooms each with six beds, wardrobe, ceiling fans, bathhouse, toilet and furniture.

The President of the Ghana Red Cross Society Kofi Acquah, told the Network Herald that the project would give a safe shelter to street girls, protect them, re-unite children with their families, ensure their good health and give vocational training to them. The Ghana Red Cross Society have in mind the boy-child on the street as well. However, the girls are considered first since they are more vulnerable to physical assault and sexual abuses, he stressed.

The President told the Network Herald that the issue and its associated social problems had caught the attention of the Ghana Red Cross Society to provide a safe environment for them, where their social and psychological welfare can be protected and promoted. Stressing on the aim of the Ghana Red Cross Society to work for the development of mankind, he said the society would depend on the power of humanity that indicates the involvement of all people without discrimination.

Speaking with confidence, Mr. Kofi Acquah hoped the issue of street children would be overcome adding that while it persists, the society in its quest to alleviate suffering will continue to provide this service. He made a passionate appeal to NGOs, individuals and organizations to support to provide for the needs of children who are forced by circumstances to live on the streets.

The Country Representative of UNICEF, Mr. Ramesh Shrestha stressed the need for the rights of the child to be protected saying by coming to the streets, children are exposed to various risks of physical assault, verbal and sexual abuse. Focusing his attention on the HIV/AIDS pandemic, he said the disease is a threat against the survival of children, teenagers and adults alike. "It is very crucial that we provide basic necessary information to all children and not just to children in the streets so that they take informed decisions on their behaviour and practices, he said.