UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
By: Millicent L. Dahamani
Lawyer Nicholas Soyiri a private legal practitioner and legal officer at CK-Tedem University of Technology and Applied Sciences, discussed the legal framework surrounding children’s rights in Ghana during the program hosted by Victoria Acharabe on GBC URA Radio children’s program “Curious minds”.
According to Lawyer Soyiri, a child is legally defined as any person below the age of 18 years as stated in both the Children’s Act and the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. “The law gives a bundle of rights to children,” Mr. Soryiri explained. “The ultimate principle is the welfare of the child. That the best interest of the child has to be considered.” Among the key rights he highlighted were:
Right to non-discrimination, Right to a name and nationality, Right to grow up with biological parents, Right to education and social well-being, Protection from exploitative labor, Protection from torture and degrading treatment, Protection from being given out in marriage.
Mr. Soyiri emphasized that district Assemblies, through their Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, are mandated by law to protect children’s rights and investigate cases of violations. “A person who contravenes any provisions of the Children’s Act commits a criminal offense and is liable on summary conviction to a fine or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both,” he warned.
The lawyer identified common challenges in enforcing children’s rights, including intimidation of children who fear punishment and adults protecting other adults from facing consequences for their actions. When asked about child labor, Mr. Soyiri clarified that children should not engage in hazardous work, which includes mining, carrying heavy loads, working with chemicals, or working in places like drinking bars where they may be exposed to immoral behavior. “Children have the right to parental property and should not be denied access to education,” he added.
Mr. Soyiri advised that while children can help their parents with work, it should never be at the expense of their education or development. He also noted that children’s main responsibility, as mentioned in the Bible, is to ” respect and obey your parents.”
The legal expert concluded by calling on all stakeholders, including Traditional Rulers, Assembly members, and community leaders, to work together to protect children’s rights. “I would appeal to all stakeholders involved to come on board and ensure that children’s rights are protected,” he said.
