Members of the Adolescent Parliament in Sunyani, the Bono regional capital, have appealed to the political party that will form the next government to prioritize issues concerning children, such as education, child protection, healthcare, and livelihoods.
According to them, both the current and future governments must listen to children and young people, involve them in decision-making processes, and create policies that address their needs and concerns.
They added, “The government now or in the future must place the voices of children and young people at the center of everything they do.”
The Adolescent Parliament, led by Speaker Daniel Sarkodie Frimpong, further urged the next government to focus on promoting equal opportunities and reducing inequalities among children and young people.
“Everyone should have a fair chance to succeed, regardless of their background and upbringing,” the Adolescent Parliament emphasized.
They underscored the need for children and young people, particularly those from financially challenged families, to have greater access to opportunities and resources that will enable them to succeed.
“Ambitious goals for children and young people require a change in the way we view children’s lives and how we influence them, and that must be the concern for political parties wanting to govern the country,” the adolescents pointed out.
The young people of Sunyani also invited civil society organizations and other child advocacy groups to join the campaign to draw the attention of duty bearers to these critical issues concerning children.
They added, “Together, we can create a brighter future for all children and young people, so let’s advocate for positive change now.”
The Adolescent Parliament also called on all voters to critically consider the welfare of children when casting their ballots, as children in Ghana want to continue living in a safe environment before, during, and after the December 7 election.
“We want to return to school and continue learning after the elections, and we wish to remind all duty bearers, especially the security agencies and political actors, that Ghana must win in the December 7 election. When Ghana wins, children win, and when children win, Ghana will prosper forever,” they stated.
The Adolescent Parliament in Sunyani is part of the Resilient City for Adolescents Project, being implemented by the Sunyani-based Global Media Foundation (GLoMeF) and its primary partners, Citizens Watch Ghana and the Indigenous Women Empowerment Network.
The Botnar Foundation is providing £329,000 in funding for the implementation of the three-year project in the Sunyani Municipality under its initiative, Healthy Cities for Adolescents, through Ecorys UK, an international provider of research and communication services.
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