The Member of Parliament for Salaga South, Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, has sounded a passionate call in Parliament for urgent and decisive national act
The Member of Parliament for Salaga South, Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, has sounded a passionate call in Parliament for urgent and decisive national action to tackle the growing scourge of child abuse in the country.
Her plea follows the circulation of a deeply disturbing video on social media showing a young child being violently abused in a Ghanaian community—a moment that has reignited debate over the country’s child protection systems.
In a strongly worded statement to her parliamentary colleagues, Zuwera described the video—featuring a 12-year-old child tied to a roof with nylon ropes and mercilessly beaten by three adults—as “heart-wrenching” and “a stain on the conscience of the nation.”
She praised the Ghana Police Service for their swift intervention in the matter, but stressed that more needs to be done beyond reactive measures.
“This is not an isolated incident,” she cautioned. “It reflects a deeper, systemic problem—one that we as lawmakers can no longer ignore.”
Drawing from recent data, the MP cited the 2023 Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), which revealed that around 22% of children aged 1 to 14 in the country have been subjected to violent forms of discipline.
The report underscores a troubling pattern of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse affecting thousands of minors.
“Protecting children and other vulnerable populations is not only a constitutional duty but a moral and ethical responsibility we must uphold,” she declared, urging Parliament to take a stronger stance on child protection issues.
She called for the immediate rollout of a nationwide public education campaign aimed at reshaping social attitudes around child discipline and abuse.
She said such campaigns should promote awareness of children’s rights, cultivate a culture of zero tolerance for abuse, and empower communities to report violations without fear of reprisal.
Beyond advocacy, she stressed the importance of legal reform and enforcement.
“Our child protection laws must be strengthened, and enforcement agencies properly resourced to act decisively when violations occur,” she argued. “Without implementation and accountability, even the best laws are meaningless.”
The Salaga South MP’s address comes at a time when public outrage over child abuse is at a boiling point.
Rights organizations and social welfare groups have long criticized the state’s limited capacity to respond to abuse cases, citing inadequate shelter facilities, slow judicial processes, and a lack of trauma support for survivors.
“As leaders, we are the custodians of Ghana’s future. That future is embodied in every child we protect or fail,” she concluded. “Let us come together to build a country where no child suffers in silence and every child can grow up with dignity, security, and hope.”
Her statement was met with support from several MPs across the political divide, indicating a rare moment of unity on a pressing national issue.
COMMENTS