A group photograph of participants at the launch
Parliamentary Initiative on Children’s Rights
In a significant step towards strengthening parliamentary leadership on children’s rights and well-being in Ghana, ACEPA, with UNICEF Ghana and in collaboration with the Parliament of Ghana, has launched the Parliamentary Caucus on Children.
It brings together Members of Parliament from across parties and committees to champion child-responsive legislation, strengthen oversight, promote evidence-informed policymaking, and advocate for increased investment in Ghana’s children. The alliance aims to improve policy outcomes and accountability for child welfare.
Caucus
The launch, held under the Enhancing the Capacity of Parliament to Address Children’s Issues initiative, marks a new chapter. It shows Ghana’s commitment to place children’s rights at the heart of national development.
More than a symbolic platform, the Caucus provides a unified parliamentary voice. The Caucus dedicates itself to advancing policies and legislation. It aims to protect and improve the lives of every child in Ghana.
Mr. Camillo Pwamang, Deputy Clerk to the Parliament of Ghana, described the Caucus as a platform at the launch.
Consequently, it will strengthen Parliament’s role in advancing child-responsive governance.
He encouraged Members to use the Caucus to champion policies and oversight delivering measurable improvements for Ghanaian children.
Earlier, ACEPA’s Executive Director, Dr. Rasheed Draman, presented Guidelines for forming the Parliamentary caucus on Children. The outline clarified the vision, objectives, and guiding principles of the initiative.
Moreover, he emphasised that the Caucus is a voluntary, non-partisan platform designed to complement Parliament’s committees. It ensures children’s interests are reflected in laws, national budgets, and oversight activities.
Children constitute over one-third of Ghana’s population, yet they have no direct voice in Parliament. Moreover, the Caucus provides a platform for Members of Parliament to become that voice. It ensures that every law, every budget, and every oversight intervention consider the best interests of Ghana’s children,” Dr. Draman noted.
The launch also featured the adoption of the Accra Charter on the Rights of the Child, signed by the founding members of the Caucus.
Additionally, through the Charter, Members pledged to champion child-responsive legislation, strengthen parliamentary oversight, advocate for increased investment in children, and work collaboratively to ensure that no child is left behind.
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Speaking after her confirmation as the inaugural Chairperson of the Caucus, Hon. Helen Adjoa Ntoso called for renewed parliamentary action.
Moreover, as Chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on Gender, Children and Social Protection, she urged moving beyond policy commitments.
Moreover, this Caucus must become a strong parliamentary voice.
It should ensure that our laws, oversight, and national priorities protect every Ghanaian child.
She stated.
UNICEF Ghana delivered a goodwill message and welcomed the Caucus, reaffirming its commitment to supporting Parliament in child-responsive governance.
Moreover, UNICEF emphasised that sustained parliamentary leadership is essential to ensuring that every child is protected, learns, survives and thrives.
Caucus Initiative Overview
The Parliamentary Caucus on Children has been established under the Enhancing the Capacity of Parliament to Address Children’s Issues initiative. The initiative is implemented by ACEPA with support from UNICEF Ghana. This collaboration aims to advance children’s rights within Parliament. Its goals include awareness, accountability, and informed debate.
Over the coming months, the initiative will support Members of Parliament. It will use targeted capacity-building programmes, evidence-sharing sessions, policy dialogues, and oversight activities. These activities will promote better oversight and stronger commitment to children’s rights. Collectively, they aim to strengthen Parliament’s role.
Aimed at strengthening Parliament’s role in promoting and protecting the rights of children. These measures contribute to safeguarding children’s welfare. The effort reflects a sustained partnership among Parliament, ACEPA, and UNICEF. It supports ongoing work to monitor and protect rights.
The launch marks a milestone in Ghana’s efforts to institutionalise parliamentary leadership on children’s issues.
It shows a shared commitment by Parliament, ACEPA, and UNICEF Ghana to stronger voices and brighter futures for children.
By: Freeman Dagadu, ACEPA
