The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has commemorated the 2025 World Children’s Day with the 7th Sitting of the National Children’s Parliament, under the theme: “My Right: Investing in Early Childhood, A National Priority.”
The event provided a national platform for children to engage on issues affecting their lives while enabling stakeholders to discuss the implementation of the revised Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Policy.
In her keynote address, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to protecting children’s rights, particularly their right to participate in decision-making processes. She noted that the theme of this year’s celebration offers children an opportunity to share their views on the revised ECCD Policy, stressing that every child deserves to live, learn, play, and grow in dignity and freedom.
The Minister highlighted the critical role of the early years in a child’s learning, behaviour, and long-term wellbeing. She emphasised that high-quality early childhood interventions—including prenatal care, early education, nutrition, protection from abuse, and parental support—yield lifelong benefits. Citing research by Nobel Laureate economist James Heckman, she noted that every dollar invested in early childhood development can return up to seven dollars in economic gains, underscoring ECCD as a key strategy for breaking cycles of inter-generational poverty.
Touching on the revised ECCD Policy, Hon. Lartey explained that it adopts an integrated approach covering care, stimulation, health, nutrition, and safety for children aged 0 to 8 years. She also announced that, with support from UNICEF, the Ministry is developing a National Parenting Strategy to equip parents and caregivers with practical tools to enhance early learning and development.
Delivering the welcome address, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, highlighted the importance of nurturing children’s holistic development.
The event also featured solidarity messages from key development partners, including UNICEF Ghana, Plan International, Children Believe, Compassion International, and SOS Ghana, who underscored the need for collaboration between government, communities, and partners to promote early childhood development, strengthen child protection, and ensure the realisation of children’s rights nationwide.
The 7th Sitting of the National Children’s Parliament included debates and presentations by child parliamentarians from across the country. The young leaders highlighted key issues affecting their constituencies, called on the President for swift interventions, and discussed strategies for implementing the revised ECCD Policy. Their contributions emphasised the importance of effective programmes, advocacy, and collective action to advance the welfare and development of all Ghanaian children.
