BY VALENTIA TETTEH
The Member of Parliament for Salaga South, Hajia Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, has condemned the growing cases of child abuse in Ghana, calling for immediate and systemic interventions to protect the rights of children and other vulnerable groups. She made the statement on the floor of Parliament on Friday, July 18, 2025, following recent disturbing incidents, including a viral video of a 12-year-old boy being brutally abused in the Western Region.
Describing the video as “deeply disturbing,” the MP revealed that it showed a child “bound with nylon ropes to a roof and brutally beaten by three adults.” She added that the incident occurred while she was en route to attend the Inter-Parliamentary Union on Human Rights Workshop in Accra, which further reinforced her urgency to act.
“I mobilized my network to identify the location of this heinous crime,” Hajia Zuwera said. “I was heartened by the rapid response that followed.”
She went on to commend the Ghana Police Service for its swift and professional intervention. “The two suspects were arrested, and the child received immediate medical attention before being reunited with his father. This decisive action underscores the importance of a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and serves as a model for effective intervention,” she stated.
Despite Ghana’s existing legislative frameworks, such as the Children’s Act (Act 560) and the Domestic Violence Act (Act 732), the MP noted that child abuse remains pervasive, citing data from the 2023 Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, which indicates that 22% of children aged 1–14 have experienced violent discipline.
“Vulnerable groups such as children, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities face heightened risks due to systemic inequalities, social stigma, and inadequate protective mechanisms,” she told the House.
The Member of Parliament for Salaga South proposed four key measures to strengthen child protection in Ghana:
- Strengthening legal frameworks and enforcement
- Promoting awareness and education
- Supporting victims and survivors
- Fostering multi-sectoral collaboration
She concluded by urging her fellow lawmakers to prioritize the protection of vulnerable populations as a moral and constitutional responsibility.
“Protecting children and vulnerable groups is not only a legal obligation but a moral imperative that reflects our society’s values and commitment to human dignity,” she emphasized. “Let us reaffirm our collective resolve to champion human rights and build a future where every child in Ghana can live in safety and dignity.”
