BY: ALBERTA ASANEWA DWIRAH AND FOSTER AGYARE
A legal practitioner with Prestige Partners, Imoro Issahaku Gengen, has called for stronger protection of children’s rights and far-reaching reforms in Ghana’s juvenile justice system, stressing the need to prioritize education, rehabilitation, and community support to prevent young people from coming into conflict with the law.
Mr. Gengen made the call on the theme of “Human Rights and the Challenges of Juveniles in Conflict with the Law” at an interactive legal education session with juveniles in Accra.
He explained that human rights are fundamental and inalienable entitlements guaranteed under the 1992 Constitution, including the rights to life, dignity, personal liberty, and a fair trial. According to him, these rights apply to all persons regardless of age and are protected under a dedicated chapter of the Constitution.
During the session, Mr. Gengen focused on three key areas: the principles of human rights, the definition of a juvenile, and the challenges faced by young offenders. He highlighted the difficulties juveniles encounter when they come into contact with the law, noting that such experiences often disrupt their education and expose them to social stigma and trauma.
He stressed that arrests involving children must be handled discreetly, in line with constitutional provisions, adding that juveniles should not be handcuffed unless absolutely necessary and must be processed within the constitutionally mandated 48-hour period.
“Coming into contact with the law as a juvenile disrupts one’s education and presents serious challenges. There is social stigma, and once you are involved, you are required to go through the legal process, which often means needing a lawyer—a major challenge for many families,” he said. He further noted that exposure to hardened offenders could increase the risk of re-offending after release.
To address these challenges, Mr. Gengen called for strengthened parental guidance, positive peer group influence, expanded legal education, skills training, and a justice system that places greater emphasis on rehabilitation rather than punishment, with active community involvement in the reintegration of young offenders.
Speaking on behalf of the founder and president of the Association of Global Traditional Leaders in Development, Nana Ababio said although the juveniles had come into conflict with the law, the correctional system offered them an opportunity for reform and reintegration into society.
“As we approach the end of the year, we see it as part of our social responsibility to visit facilities like this to show love to the children. Although they may have committed various offenses, we believe this place will help reform them and enable them to give back to society,” she said.
Receiving donated items on behalf of the institute, the second-in-command, CSP Daniel Eagan, commended the association for its timely support and commitment to the welfare of the juveniles.
The Association of Global Traditional Leaders in Development is a service-oriented organization made up of chiefs, queen mothers, and other global leaders. The visit to the Juvenile Correctional Institute formed part of its festive season social responsibility activities, aimed at supporting inmates through education and donations.
The outreach also falls under Aglot-Led International’s broader initiatives, which include visits to prisons, orphanages, and markets, as well as public education on health and environmental issues.
