The Chairperson of the Committee on Gender, Children and Social Protection and Member of Parliament for KrachiWest, Helen Ntosu has called for stronger engagement mechanisms to help young people realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development.
According to Hon. Ntosu, the era where policies affecting underrepresented groups were designed and implemented solely by governments is over. She noted that citizens, particularly the youth, are increasingly demanding platforms that allow them to participate in decision-making processes.
She said this growing demand reflects Ghana’s commitment to openness, transparency and the strengthening of public trust.
Hon. Ntosu made the remarks at the launch of the maiden Mini Parliament initiative organised in collaboration with the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs, UNICEF and the Learning Tree Foundation at Parliament House in Accra.
The Chief Social Policy and Inclusion Officer at UNICEF, Paulina Sarvilahati, underscored the importance of amplifying children’s voices in national development. She stressed that every child deserves to be heard, protected and empowered to pursue their dreams.
Highlighting Ghana’s role in global child rights advocacy, Ms Sarvilahati recalled that Ghana was the first country in the world to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
She explained that one of the Convention’s key provisions guarantees children the right to freely express their views on issues affecting their lives.
“You deserve to be heard. You deserve to be protected. You deserve to go to school and achieve your dreams,” she told participants, encouraging them to remain confident in expressing their opinions.
The Director of Public Affairs, Kate Addo, commended the children for their confidence, eloquence and active participation during the event. She noted that the initiative demonstrated the ability of children to contribute meaningfully to national conversations when given the opportunity.
She urged participants to remain disciplined, informed and committed to academic excellence, adding that leadership begins with responsibility, integrity and service.
Madam Addo also encouraged the children to read widely, improve their communication skills and stay engaged in national affairs in preparation for future leadership roles.
Speaking on the initiative, the Director of Public Engagement, Effia Tenge, revealed that between 2023 and 2025, more than 44,000 people visited the House through its educational outreach programme, with over 70 per cent being primary and junior high school pupils.
She said the figures reflected children’s strong interest in understanding governance and legislative procedures. However, she noted that many young visitors often struggle to fully grasp the processes during such visits.
According to Supt. (Rtd) Tenge, the Mini Parliament initiative provides a practical and interactive platform where children can assume the roles of lawmakers and debate national issues affecting young people.
“The vision is to ensure that the Ghanaian of tomorrow is capable of making meaningful contributions to national progress,” she stated.
The Executive Director of ACEPA, Rasheed Draman, praised the initiative for promoting inclusion and civic responsibility among children. He said exposing children to governance structures at an early age would help nurture responsible and informed citizens.
During the maiden sitting, participants debated the topic, “Responsible Use of Technology by Children,” with discussions centred on online safety, digital responsibility and the impact of technology on children’s wellbeing.
Officials from the Cyber Security Authority also educated participants on internet safety, cyberbullying and the protection of personal information online.
Commending the initiative, the Queen Mother of the Dzorwulu Abelemkpe Subdivision Stool, Manye Naa Badu Diaba I, encouraged the children to uphold strong moral values, heed the guidance of parents and teachers, and strive to become responsible future leaders.
CREDIT: Mavis Fantevi
