Zuwera calls for urgent action on child abuse, cites cases from across Ghana

The Member of Parliament, Hajia Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, has urged Parliament and the public to take decisive action to end child abuse, citing a series of recent cases reported from different parts of the country.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Ibrahimah said children continue to face violence and neglect in homes, schools, and communities, stressing that stronger laws, effective enforcement, and public education are needed to protect them.

She highlighted several incidents brought to her attention, including cases in Newankase, Dodowa, Ajumako in the Central Region, and North Legon.

In one instance involving an 8-year-old pupil in Dodowa, the MP said she visited the child and the family and witnessed the physical and emotional impact firsthand.

She also referenced reports of severe corporal punishment at a school in Ajumako and an incident in North Legon that was prevented through the intervention of a bystander.

Ibrahimah commended the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, for leading a team to visit the affected children and for the Ministry's response efforts.

The MP outlined a number of measures for Parliament's consideration, including:

Strengthening legal frameworks and ensuring the swift investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases;

Mandatory child safeguarding training for educators, caregivers, and institutional staff;

Legal protections for whistleblowers who report abuse;

Nationwide public education on children's rights and the promotion of a culture of zero tolerance for abuse; and Expanded support services for child victims and survivors.

"Prosecutions in all cases of child abuse must proceed with the full weight of the law," Hon. Ibrahimah said. "Accountability and visible consequences are essential to deter offenders and to affirm that children's rights are not negotiable."

The MP encouraged Ghanaians to report suspected child abuse to the Ghana Police Service's Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), the Department of Social Welfare or through the national emergency number, 112.

She added that online content showing harm to children should also be reported directly to the hosting platform