The Ark Foundation Ghana has called for child protection for Naa Okromo, following her return to her parents by the government.
The minor reunited with her family on April 18, 2024, after undergoing a series of tests while under the care of social welfare.
In a statement, the foundation questioned whether the State has taken adequate measures to ensure the child’s safety, welfare, and development upon her return to the community.
“If the child has been handed back to her parents, is she still under the protection of the State? Has the State applied for a Supervisory order to mandate the Social Welfare to continue their protection and supervisory care for the child as required by law?
“What conclusions, if any, did the Inter-Ministerial Group arrive at in terms of the nature of the celebration that became the subject of interest regarding the child? A marriage? A betrothal? A common custom or ritual? Or do we wait for the AGs Department to make its investigations and decide how to proceed with the matter?” the foundation quizzed in the statement.
The Ark Foundation Ghana further called on the State to demonstrate its commitment to child protection in practice, not just in law.
The case, according to the Ark Foundation Ghana, presents an opportunity for Ghana to affirm that child protection is a priority in national development.
The foundation also stressed that legal technicalities should not hinder the protection of minors from being subjected to marriage or related practices. It called on the State to provide clear answers and take decisive action to safeguard the welfare of all children.
“The State, by its laws, has been clear that it would uphold the best interest of the child against adult neglect, exploitation, violence, endangerment, or abuse, and protect them from physical and moral hazards. However, it must demonstrate this intent in de facto terms. The matter at hand provides Ghana the opportunity to prove that child protection is central to the country’s development and harnessing its human resource potential to the full,” the statement added.
