A teenage girl has sparked a heated debate on child welfare, demanding tougher laws to force negligent parents to fulfil their duties and impose life imprisonment for child rapists. Educating the public, the young student lamented the chaos disrupting her peers, calling for “total peace of mind” amid rising cases of parental neglect, street children, and juvenile delinquency.
It is, however, sad that some parents still ignore their responsibilities as parents and let their children go their own way.” Her plea highlights a growing crisis in Ghana, where thousands of children roam the streets of cities like Kumasi and Accra, vulnerable to drugs, crime, and exploitation. According to the Department of Social Welfare, thousands of street children were reported nationwide in 2024, many abandoned by parents struggling with poverty or indifference.
The teen proposed a bold legal fix: “Could there be a law that will compel parents to take total responsibility for their children the way it deserved?” She envisions mandatory parenting classes, fines, or even jail time for guardians who fail to ensure school attendance and basic care. Experts agree this could align with Ghana’s Children’s which already holds parents accountable but lacks strong enforcement. Child rights advocate Nana Akua Boateng of the Ghana Coalition for Children’s Rights supported the idea, stating, “We need binding parental contracts, like those in South Africa, where neglect leads to custody loss. Education is a right—parents must deliver.”
On sexual violence, men who rape children should face life imprisonment as a deterrent to others. This echoes recent calls following high-profile cases, such as the 2025 Tamale rape scandal that ignited protests. The Ghana Police Service recorded several child rape reports this year, yet convictions remain low at under 20%.
But what of children with “proper care” who still rebel? The teen raised this tough question: “What then happens to the children who have proper care but still sleep out and engage in drugs?” Social workers point to rehabilitation centres like those run by the SOS Children’s Villages, offering counselling and vocational training. Psychologist Dr Kwame Asante noted, “Even cared-for kids face peer pressure and trauma. We need community programs, not just punishment. Early intervention via school counsellors could prevent 70% of cases.”
About The Author
