According to Ghana News Agency:ccording to Ghana News Agency, the committee has observed that many of these children are involved in social vices such as substance abuse, excessive alcohol consumption, theft, burglary, and armed robbery. These activities contribute to a noticeable decline in community values and safety. Madam Matilda Chireh, the Upper West Regional Director of the Department of Children, emphasized the responsibility of parents to curb these issues by fulfilling their roles effectively, which would subsequently lead to a more orderly and peaceful national development.
Madam Chireh underscored the importance of ethical parenting, noting that the decisions and mistakes made by parents today would significantly impact their children’s futures. She called for a concerted effort by stakeholders, particularly parents, in ensuring that children grow up to be disciplined and patriotic citizens.
Additionally, Madam Freda Naatu, the Upper West Regional Director of the Environmental Department, expres
sed concern over the poor sanitary conditions in both public and private schools, which pose health risks to students. She pointed out the lack of toilet facilities in many schools and the neglect of existing ones, urging parents to provide basic necessities like bottled water, cups, and soap to prevent disease transmission among children.
Madam Naatu also appealed to parents, school management committees, and civil society organizations to support government efforts by providing and maintaining sanitation facilities in schools. She suggested engaging individuals to clean these facilities for a fee to ensure their upkeep.
The ECCD meetings, sponsored by Children Believe, a non-governmental organization, provide a platform for institutions and stakeholders to present their activities, discuss challenges, and devise strategies for improvement.