By Enock Akonnor (Managing Editor) enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has commemorated 2025 World Children’s Day with the 7th Sitting of the National Children’s Parliament, creating a national platform for children to discuss issues impacting their lives and to contribute to dialogues on the revised Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Policy.
Held under the theme “My Right: Investing in Early Childhood, A National Priority,” the event gathered child parliamentarians from across the country, policymakers, and development partners to highlight the critical importance of early childhood development in shaping Ghana’s future.
In her keynote address, the sector Minister, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to safeguarding children’s rights—especially their right to participation. She noted that the annual Children’s Parliament sittings empower young people to make their voices heard on matters affecting their wellbeing. Dr. Lartey stressed that this year’s focus gives children a unique opportunity to share their perspectives on the revised ECCD Policy, adding that every child deserves the chance “to live, learn, play, and grow in dignity and freedom.”
Dr. Lartey outlined the critical importance of the early years in determining a child’s learning capacity, behaviour, and long-term outcomes. She emphasised that comprehensive early childhood interventions—including prenatal care, early learning, nutrition, protection, and parental support—have lifelong benefits that extend beyond individuals to communities and national development. Citing research by Nobel Laureate economist James Heckman, she noted that every dollar invested in early childhood development can yield up to seven dollars in economic returns, reinforcing ECCD as a powerful tool for breaking cycles of inter-generational poverty.
On the revised ECCD Policy, the Minister explained that it adopts an integrated approach that encompasses care, stimulation, health, nutrition, and safety for children aged 0 to 8 years. She further revealed that the Ministry, in partnership with UNICEF, is developing a National Parenting Strategy to equip parents and caregivers with the practical skills needed to support children’s early learning and development.
Earlier in the programme, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, underscored the importance of nurturing the holistic development of children, emphasising the need for collective responsibility in ensuring their wellbeing.
The celebration also featured solidarity messages from key development partners, including UNICEF Ghana, Plan International, Children Believe, Compassion International, and SOS Ghana. Their remarks highlighted the vital role of collaboration between government, civil society, and communities in strengthening early childhood development systems, protecting children, and promoting their rights nationwide.
The 7th Sitting of the National Children’s Parliament showcased debates and presentations by child parliamentarians representing all regions. They raised pressing concerns from their constituencies, called on the President for timely interventions, and offered insights on the implementation of the revised ECCD Policy.
Their contributions underscored the need for sustained investment, effective programmes, advocacy, and unified national action to enhance the welfare and development of every Ghanaian child.
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
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✉️ enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
