The Upper West Regional Gender Support Network (GSN) has voiced apprehension regarding the illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey, plaguing certain communities in the Region. The Network highlighted that this menace was not only detrimental to the environment but also had a significant impact on children's education.
Additionally, the GSN expressed alarm over the prevalence of streetism and begging among children in the region, particularly in Wa. Madam Matilda Chireh, the Upper West Regional Director of the Department of Children, addressed these concerns during the first quarter meeting of the GSN. She emphasized the need for collective efforts to address these challenges, highlighting the crucial role of families, individuals, communities, and state institutions in protecting children.
Madam Chireh also raised issues concerning the care of children with disabilities, noting that some parents and guardians were neglecting their responsibilities by “dumping” these children in special schools without ensuring their well-being. She urged parents and guardians to properly care for children with special needs and not view special schools as mere dumping grounds.
Furthermore, Madam Charity Batuure, the Upper West Regional Director of the Department of Gender, disclosed plans to implement a Peace Building Fund project aimed at addressing social practices affecting women and children in selected communities. The Network also intends to conduct targeted community sensitization to address gender-related issues and concerns affecting children.
Mr. Sebastian Ziem, a Chief Investigator at the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), emphasized the urgency of addressing child streetism and begging, categorizing them as severe forms of child labour and abuse requiring collaborative action from stakeholders.
In addressing Gender-based Violence (GBV), Detective Lance Corporal Habibat Seidu Abass of the Upper West Regional Domestic Violence and Victim Supports Unit (DOVVSU) highlighted efforts to raise awareness and encourage victims or witnesses of GBV to report such cases to the police. However, she acknowledged a lack of awareness about DOVVSU among some individuals, hindering the reporting of GBV cases.
Lastly, concerns were raised about the high charges for medical examination forms for victims of Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV), deterring many victims from seeking justice. Madam Abass urged parents to prioritize the protection and care of their children to prevent them from falling victim to abuses such as defilement.
Oh, so the gender activists know what they should be doing? lmao
I put my presidency on the line… Haha!
When the wicked rule, the people suffer
Oh Ghana my motherland.