GACA marks first anniversary of promoting alternatives to violence against children

The GACA campaign, which was launched by the Second Lady Hajia Samira Bawumia in November 2017, is a joint Programme of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Ministry of Education, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and NGO partners. 

It is generously supported by Global Affairs Canada, KOICA Korea and USAID Ghana.

A joint press release copied to the Ghana News Agency by UNICEF to mark the first anniversary celebrations of the GACA Campaign said more than five million people have been reached with the campaign messages: more than two million of the audience reached via the GACA digital platforms, and over three million people engaged through community mobile theatres and dialogues including offline visibility via messaging on bill boards across Ghana. 

It said in the last year, approximately 70 districts across all 10 regions in the country carried activities and events related to the GACA campaign touching more than 1,000 communities were reached. 

Reflecting on the achievements, Hajia Alima Mahama, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development said: “I’m optimistic of a leap in our country’s human development, if the momentum generated is sustained and scaled up”.

The statement said with the ultimate goal to ‘promote the wellbeing of children, prevent abuse and protect children from harm’, the GACA campaign seeks to reduce the acceptance of social practices that have negative consequences on children.

It said the campaign also mobilises a critical mass of people to positively influence social norms and promote the adoption of behaviours favourable to the protection of children and adolescents.

It said ultimately, the social drive is expected to support the reduction of violence against children and adolescents, including harmful practices.

Madam Anne-Claire Dufay, UNICEF Representative in Ghana, said: “We are encouraged by the commitment and the wonderful stories and testimonials resulting from the campaign. With the communities and all partners, we look forward to further reducing the incidence of violence against children in the coming years.”

The statement citing the 2011 Mapping and Analysis of Ghana’s Child Protection System report said in Ghana, more than 90 per cent of children had reportedly experienced some form of violence, either in their residence or school environment.

It said it was against this background that the GACA social drive was launched; adding that the 19th of November, was chosen to celebrate the GACA first Anniversary, as this coincides with the World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse. 

It said one year after the GACA campaign was launched, it is a good opportunity to show what is already changing in Ghana for the improved protection of children and adolescents and to inspire more people to join the national campaign.

The statement said it was also important to reflect on possible gaps and proposed strategies moving forward.

The GACA campaign currently has thematic pillars addressing pressing child protection and sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) issues in Ghana, with a focus on adolescent girls and boys.

The pillars of the campaign include Child Sexual Abuse, Child Trafficking, Corporal Punishment, Child Labour, Verbal Abuse and Child Marriage.

The Safe Schools Programme (SSP) seeks to address the root causes of violence at school, including corporal punishment, sexual harassment and bullying.

Madam Barbara Asher Ayisi, Deputy Minister of Education, said the Safe Schools Programme within the GACA campaign seeks to address key issues such as corporal punishment, and offers alternatives in a positive outlook.

“I have children and I will never want to see them abused. Child abuse still happens in Ghana and it must end. Be a Ghanaian Against Child Abuse,” Hajia Bawumia said as she made a call for others to join the GACA campaign on social media.

Madam Cynthia Morrison, Minister for Gender Children and Social Protection, said: “Creating a safe and non-abusive society is a collective responsibility and I will like to call on every Ghanaian to join the campaign and make Ghana a safe place for our children.”

GNA

Read Full Story