Ghana's Commitment to End Violence Against Children: A Path Toward Protective Reform
Government initiatives seek to create safer environments and support for children as the nation addresses the complex challenges of child protection.
Violence against children continues to be a pressing concern in Ghana, with the government taking steps over the years to implement policies and reforms aimed at addressing this complex issue. The realities of violence against children are multifaceted, intersecting with poverty, cultural practices, and gaps in child protection systems, making it a challenge that requires ongoing and coordinated actions. While data indicates that reported cases are rising reflecting both increased awareness and persistent risks efforts are underway to strengthen prevention and response mechanisms across the country.
To understand what is being done to protect children and support affected families, we speak with the Director of the Department of Social Welfare at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Prince Abrah to discuss the government’s strategies and the road ahead in tackling violence against children in Ghana, including in the context of the care reform.
Can you tell us what is the current state of violence against children in Ghana?
Ending violence against children is a national priority for Ghana, supported by development plans, laws, and policies. However, violence against children remains prevalent, with 94% of children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline according to the MICS 2017/18 data.
What findings were revealed by the 2021 national census and survey on children in residential care?
The 2021 study, conducted in collaboration with the Ghana Statistical Service, UNICEF and USAID, found that out of over 3,500 children in residential care, more than half were subjected to violent forms of discipline, including physical punishment and psychological aggression. Only about one-third of these residential homes were found to have a valid license.
What steps has Ghana taken to reform the care system and prevent violence against children?
Ghana has initiated several key steps, including:
1. Implementing a National Care Reform Roadmap that focuses on strengthening families and promoting family-based alternative care. The number of children in residential care has decreased from 3,530 (2029) to 3,122 (2025) and the number of institutions has reduced from 139 to 109 since the study.
2. Rolling out the Social Welfare Information Management System (SWIMS) system to register all cases of children in institutions and manage reports of violence digitally.
3. Conducting targeted inspections of residential and foster care homes to ensure children's safety and well-being.
4. Investing in the social service workforce through training and developing a new 5-year capacity building strategy for social workers.
5. Sensitizing local authorities in all 16 regions on the Bogota pledge and Child Protection System Strengthening Framework of Action.
How does Ghana plan to engage with other countries in this initiative?
Ghana made a pledge at the 1st Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Botoga, Colombia in November 2024. This month, the Honourable Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection formally endorsed the Child Protection System Strengthening Common Framework for Action.
As we implement our pledge and the framework for action, Ghana welcomes cross-country learning and collaboration. By sharing experiences, lessons learned, and holding ourselves accountable to the commitments made in Bogota, we aim to create a future where all children are safe, supported, and can thrive in loving family environments.
Additionally, Ghana is working closely with the United Kingdom and other development partners, such as UNICEF and CSOs, to amplify advocacy on the care reform.
What is the goal of Ghana’s reforms and initiatives regarding child protection?
The ultimate goal is to ensure that all children in Ghana are safe, protected from violence, and able to grow in nurturing family environments.
The Government of Ghana remains committed to finding effective ways to address violence against children. With sustained effort, strong partnerships, and a willingness to learn from the experiences of other countries, we believe meaningful progress can be made in protecting children across the nation.
By working together, sharing lessons, and holding ourselves accountable, we can build a future where all children are safe, supported, and able to thrive in loving family environments.
