2nd Lady Samira Joins Campaign Against Child Abuse

Second Lady of Ghana, Samira Bawumia, yesterday joined the Ghanaians Against Child Abuse (GACA) Movement to launch a campaign to reduce practices in society which negatively affect children.

The GACA campaign, which is being implemented by the Ministries of Gender, Children and Social Protection and Local Government and Rural Development, in collaboration with UNICEF and partners, also seeks to use various channels, including the media, to create awareness about child abuse and rally nationwide support to provide protect children to develop fully.

Mrs Bawumia, who unveiled the GACA logo and delivered the keynote address at the event held at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Accra, said “I am GACA, and I support the campaign.”

She said in Ghana more than 90 percent of children have experienced some form of physical violence, with more than 21 percent of women aged between 20 and 24 married before the age of 18.

“Sixteen percent of girls aged between 15 and 19 were forced against their will in their first sexual intercourse while an estimated 23 percent of children aged between five and 14 are engaged in some form of economic activity in Ghana,” she said.

She said the high level of abuse in the country compelled stakeholders to take strong action to tackle the menace.

Mrs Bawumia noted that “as a mother, ensuring the protection and wellbeing of children is extremely important to me. So today I pledge to be a GACA. And I personally pledge to support the call on all Ghanaians to take action against all forms of child abuse.''

The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Otiko Djaba, said the ultimate goal of the GACA movement is to mobilize communities, parents, traditional rulers, families and individuals across our country to stand against all forms of child abuse.

“This call to action is for everyone to be committed to ensuring a safer Ghana for our children and put children first. We invite everyone to become a Ghanaian Against Child Abuse – I am a GACA and I call on you too to become a GACA,” she said.

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Alima Mahama, declared her support for movement, saying “with the launch of the GACA movement today, I call on all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to commit resources to ensure regular engagements with families and communities.”

UNICEF Ghana Representative Rushnan Murtaza, in her remarks, said the launch of the movement is timely.

“Recently, we celebrated World Children's Day, and the International Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse. For the success and future of any country, we must ensure the protection, safety and opportunities for all children.

“We are excited at the potential momentum and impact of the GACA Movement, which encourages the spirit of tolerance and speaking out against child abuse,” she stressed. UNICEF and its partners are confident that soon every Ghanaian would become GACA and stand against child abuse.”