An Inspector of the Ghana Police Service, Bilhad Cobblah, has called on parents, guardians, and communities to work together to safeguard children, emphasising that child protection is a shared responsibility.
Speaking at the Samuel Amo Tobbin Foundation and Tobinco Media Group’s Missing Persons Forum 2026, Inspector Cobblah highlighted the emotional trauma families endure when a child goes missing.
“The first few minutes a child goes missing feels like a lifetime to the family,” he said.
He stressed the importance of equipping children with basic safety knowledge, urging parents and caregivers to teach them personal safety rules and ensure they know emergency contact numbers to call when they find themselves in danger.
According to Inspector Cobblah, early education on safety can significantly improve a child’s ability to respond appropriately during emergencies and increase the chances of a quick rescue.
He further emphasised that protecting children should not be left solely to law enforcement agencies.
“We must remember that protecting children is not only the responsibility of the authorities but the community as a whole,” he stated.
Inspector Cobblah encouraged community members to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities promptly, and support efforts aimed at preventing child disappearances and ensuring the safety and well-being of every child.
The Missing Persons Forum 2026, organised by the Samuel Amo Tobbin Foundation in collaboration with Tobinco Media Group, brought together stakeholders to raise awareness on missing persons cases and promote strategies for child protection and public safety.
