The Upper West Regional Child Protection Committee convened its second quarterly meeting for 2025 in Wa with renewed urgency and commitment to intensify efforts toward the safety and well-being of children across the region. Chaired by the Chief Director of the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council, Hajia Pognaa Fati Issaka Koray, the high-level engagement brought together key stakeholders determined to bolster child protection systems in the region.
In her compelling opening remarks, Hajia Pognaa underscored the collective responsibility required to combat child abuse, neglect, and exploitation. “The protection of our children is a shared responsibility,” she asserted. “It is not just the duty of the government but a moral and civic obligation for every member of society. We must unite against the structural threats that rob our children of their dignity and future.”
Ms. Matilda Chireh, the Regional Director of the Department of Children, reinforced the statutory mandate of the Committee and emphasized the importance of collaboration across sectors. She stressed the need to build a strong culture of accountability and reporting, noting that every case of child rights violation demands urgent attention. “It is not enough to empathize; we must act decisively to protect our children,” she declared.
The meeting also provided a platform for stakeholders, including NGOs and civil society organizations, to share insights and interventions aligned with national and international frameworks for ending violence against children. These presentations offered a blend of data, lived experiences, and actionable recommendations aimed at closing the existing protection gaps.
In a powerful submission, child rights advocate Mr. Jaafar Pelpuo called for urgent reforms to harmful cultural practices that threaten child welfare. He challenged traditional authorities and community influencers to champion child-friendly cultural transformations. “Cultural evolution is not betrayal; it is the preservation of our humanity,” he stated. “Let us redefine our values to ensure every child can grow up in peace and dignity.”
The Committee issued a strong call to law enforcement and judicial authorities to step up prosecutions of perpetrators of child abuse. It emphasized that swift justice is not only a deterrent but also a measure of the region’s seriousness in enforcing child protection laws.
The energy and solidarity displayed during the meeting reaffirm the Upper West Region’s deep commitment to a future where all children are safe, empowered, and given every opportunity to thrive. The Regional Coordinating Council, in its coordinating and oversight role, pledges to provide strategic leadership that reinforces every aspect of child protection in the region.
As we move forward, the RCC calls on parents, teachers, traditional leaders, local assemblies, civil society, and all relevant institutions to recommit to this noble cause. Together, we can build a resilient, compassionate society where every child’s right to safety and protection is a non-negotiable standard.
