STRENGTHENING CHILD PROTECTION IN ADA WEST: TWO COMMUNITY CHILD PROTECTION COMMITTEES (CCPCS) INAUGURATED TO SAFEGUARD VULNERABLE CHILDREN
As part of ongoing efforts to safeguard the welfare and rights of children, the Ada West District Assembly in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages (SOS) and Volta Resilience Foundation (VRF) under the Protecting Children at Risk of Losing Parental Care Project, inaugurated two Community Child Protection Committees (CCPCs) in Afiadenyigba and Addokope. The inaugurations, held on 20 and 21 November respectively, represent a significant commitment to strengthening community-based child protection systems across the district.
Representing the District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr. Lawrence K. Ngunekpeku the Honourable Presiding Member assured community members of the Assembly’s unwavering dedication to protecting the best interests of children and other vulnerable groups. He emphasised that the formation of the CCPCs demonstrates District’s resolve to build safer communities where children can grow and develop in dignity and achieving Sustainable Development Goals particularly;
- SDG 1 – No Poverty, as it supports families to strengthen their livelihoods and reduce economic vulnerability
- SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being, by ensuring that children are safe from abuse and harmful practices
- SDG 4 – Quality Education, by helping to reduce school dropout rates and promoting inclusive learning
- SDG 5 – Gender Equality, by addressing teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence, and child marriage
- SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, by strengthening local protection systems and ensuring justice for all children.
The District Child Protection Community (DCPC) is made up of key stakeholder including the District Coordination Director as the Chairman, the District Head of Social Welfare and Community Development as the secretary, the District Planning Unit, Ghana Education Service, Ghana Health Service, Ghana Police Service, National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), National Disaster Management Organisation, an NGO in the field of child protection and a media house was formally presented to the public to enhance visibility, accountability and collaboration.
Community members were encouraged to recognise the committee as the primary structure responsible for coordinating all child protection activities within the district. The public was also urged to support the committee by reporting cases, participating in sensitisation activities and promoting a safe environment for all children.
During the ceremony, the Head of Department for Social Welfare and Community Development Mr. Philip Dotse spoke strongly against the use of physical punishment. He encouraged parents and guardians to adopt positive, non-violent methods of discipline, reminding them that such approaches promote trust, learning and emotional wellbeing.
The District Education Director Dr. Stephen Arthur stressed the importance of ensuring that all children are enrolled in school and monitored regularly to promote punctuality and consistent attendance. She underscored that education remains one of the strongest tools for breaking cycles of vulnerability and securing brighter futures for children.
In her address, Ms Gloria Emeka, the National Advocacy Advisor for SOS explained that the five-year project is supporting 200 caregivers to achieve financial stability. She noted that the financial empowerment provided through the initiative aims to make households more self-reliant, enabling caregivers to meet the needs of their children and reduce risks associated with family separation.
The Chief Executive Officer of VRF Mr. Julius Amesimeku highlighted the comprehensive trainings provided to caregivers, which include positive parenting, mental health education and financial literacy. These trainings are equipping families with the knowledge and skills required to provide safer, more nurturing environments for their children.
Also present were the District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) Mr. Samuel Etse and Mr. Eric Nii Abayateye, District Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), who called for the safeguarding of children’s rights and ensuring that they are protected from all forms of harm, including disasters. They emphasised that every sector and community member has a role to play in creating safe environments for children.
Hon John Ofoe Akpakpavi and Hon Jonathan Asamanuah expressed their profound delight that their communities were selected as beneficiaries of the Protecting Children at Risk of Losing Parental Care project. They emphasised that the initiative will significantly strengthen child protection efforts at the community level and called on all stakeholders traditional leaders, parents, caregivers, and community groupsto fully support the effective functioning of the Community Child Protection Committees (CCPCs). Hon Ernest Kugblenu added his voice to the call, urging all Hon Members to work collectively to ensure that child protection advocacy becomes an integral part of their community engagements. He stressed that consistent awareness and active involvement from leaders are essential to creating safer, more supportive environments for all children.
The Nene Seth N.A. Amanortey Apenkro IV, chiefs and traditional leaders of Afiadenyigba and Addokope reaffirmed their commitment to the initiative, pledging their full support to the newly inaugurated CCPCs. They appealed to their subjects to uphold child protection as a shared responsibility and to work collectively to ensure the wellbeing of every child.
The establishment of the DCPC and CCPCs forms part of a broader vision to empower communities strengthen early child protection systems and promote environments where children can thrive. With renewed dedication from local authorities, traditional leaders and partnering organisations, Ada West District is taking bold steps towards ensuring the safety, dignity and development of all children.
AWDA
21st November 2025