By: Sualah Abdul-Wahab
Actionaid Ghana has called on the government to develop online Child Protection framework to tackle violation of children’s rights online.
Speaking at a durbar to mark this year’s Day of the African Child at Ul-kpong in the Jirapa Municipality of the Upper West Region, Head of Programmes, Campaign and Innovation of Actionaid Ghana, Justine Bayor said the framework should include reporting and investigation mechanism and precise conditions and rules for extradition, extra territorial jurisdiction, mutual legal assistance as well as the seizure and confiscation of goods.
The Day of the African Child was instituted in 1976 by the Organization of African Unity, now African Union. It was to celebrate some school children of Soweto in South Africa for their bravery in defending their rights by fighting against racial segregation and mistreatment of black children in school.
This year’s celebration focused on “The Rights of the Child in the Digital Environment”.
The Head of Programmes, Campaign and Innovation of Actionaid, Mr Bayor says lack of access to internet and technological tools to improve educational opportunities remains a challenge to children who wish to participate in the digital sphere.
He said government needs to re-assess the Cyber Security Act 2020 (Act 1038) and Data Protection legislation to address the gaps which offer guidance on the protection of children’s privacy and personal data.
Educational institutions, Mr Bayor noted should educate children about online risks, responsible digital behavior and how to protect themselves.
“Parents should actively engage in their children’s online activities, establish open communication channels and maintain a supportive and trusting relationship. They can use parental control software or tools to monitor and manage their children’s online access”, Mr Bayor added.
The Upper West Regional Director of the Department of Children, Matilda Chireh advised the school children against sharing their nude pictures with anyone on the internet.
She indicated that any bad thing that is published on social media could have a damming consequences on them now and in future. She said children should also desist from giving out detailed information about themselves to people they do not know.
The Jirapa Municipal Director of Education, Huudu Kunaateh commended Actionaid Ghana for organizing training programmes for teachers and parents to ensure children welfare.
Mr Kunaateh acknowledged the support of Actionaid in the areas of classrooms and furniture.
The children performed a drama on the negative effects of teenage pregnancy on their education as part of the celebration.
One of the students, Jenorious Ninang who played the role of a chief, bemoaned the attitude of some teachers and students who impregnate school girls.
He added that such practices truncate the education of such girls and make their future miserable.