By Jacob Aggrey
The Evangel Child Development Center (ECDC), a branch of Compassion International, has embarked on a major awareness campaign in Adabraka, a suburb of Accra, to advocate against child abuse and spread the message of God’s love.
The campaign which took place on Saturday, 17th May 2025, under the theme “Say No to Child Abuse, Come to Jesus, God Loves You” targeted several key streets in Adabraka, including Kojo Thompson Road, Gamel Abdul Nasser Avenue, Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, Barnes Road, Liberty Avenue, Farisco Lane, and Nii Boi Street.
The goal of the campaign was to draw public attention to the harmful effects of child abuse and violence, encourage parents to treat children with care and respect, and also share the gospel through evangelism.
Due to the enforcement of the annual ban on drumming and noise-making, which began on 12th May 2025, the campaign was adjusted to fit the period.
Rather than using loudspeakers or public address systems, the campaign was carried out quietly through door-to-door outreach, flyer distribution, and the hoisting of informative banners and placards.
Some of the messages displayed during the campaign included: “Any form of abuse is never okay,” “Jesus has the power to forgive sins – Mark 2:10,” “Give your child complete attention when possible,” “Encourage children to express their feelings,” and “God is not silent about abuse.”
Speaking on the sidelines after the exercise, the Project Director of ECDC, Mrs. Dorcas Nyadubea, stressed the importance of child protection and community involvement in stopping abuse.
She noted that cases of child abuse and neglect are on the rise, which poses long-term dangers to children’s wellbeing.
“We went into the community to let people know that children have the right to be protected. If a child is being abused, it must be reported to the police or DOVVSU. If we don’t act, these children may grow up with trauma that affects their adulthood,” she said.
Mrs. Nyadubea added, “We are doing this not just as a campaign but as a call to action for every Ghanaian to help protect the future of our children.”
A volunteer tutor at ECDC who also participated in the campaign, Mr. Job Antwi, underscored the importance of correcting children without using harsh or violent methods.
“Too much beating, slapping, and pain is not the right way to discipline a child. Even if a child is living with a step-parent, that parent must treat the child with love and respect,” he cautioned.
He added, “Beating a child every day is not discipline. it is abuse. We must all put a stop to this harmful practice.”
Some of the resident expressed gratitude to ECDC for bridging such an education onto their doorstep and pledged to cultivate the lessons they had learnt in their households.
In addition, they praised compassion and ECDC for the work they are doing in alleviating children from poverty and giving them lifelong skills that will save them from stress and worry in the future.
Compassion International is a Christian nonprofit organization that supports children in poverty through spiritual, physical, and educational programs. It partners with churches to offer Bible lessons, healthcare, school fee support, and vocational training in skills like soap and bead making. The goal is to build leadership, self-reliance, and lifelong potential.
Evangel Child Development Centre (ECDC), a branch of Compassion International, opened in 2007 in Adabraka under Evangel Assemblies of God, has helped transform young lives through these programs. Supported by Compassion, children receive care until age 22, graduating equipped with skills, values, and confidence to start life independently.
