Zuwera Mohammed, the Member of Parliament for Salaga South, is demanding urgent national action to protect children and vulnerable groups. She says it’s more than law — it’s a moral duty that speaks to Ghana’s core values and humanity.
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A Deepening Crisis – Zuwera Mohammed Concern
Speaking in Parliament on July 18, 2025, the MP pointed to rising cases of child abuse, despite existing laws like the Children’s Act of 1998 and the Domestic Violence Act of 2007. She argued that these protections are not being enforced with the strength they deserve.
Shocking Statistics
Zuwera highlighted troubling data from the 2023 Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey. About 22% of children between the ages of 1 and 14 face violent discipline. Abuse — whether physical, emotional, or sexual — remains far too common.
She warned that these acts are not just violations of international treaties, such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. They also rob children of their health, safety, and future.
Vulnerable Groups at Greater Risk
Zuwera emphasised that the most at-risk groups — children, persons with disabilities, and poor communities — suffer the most. Poverty, inequality, lack of education, and weak enforcement only make things worse.
Her 7-Point Solution
She proposed a multi-pronged approach to turn things around:
- Strengthen law enforcement and judicial systems.
- Launch nationwide awareness campaigns on child rights.
- Enhance support services, such as counselling and safe shelters.
- Foster collaboration between government, civil society, and traditional leaders.
- Engage international bodies for technical and financial support.
- Enhance data systems to track and effectively respond to cases of abuse.
- Push Parliament to enforce stricter oversight on child protection policies.
A Disturbing Wake-Up Call
Zuwera also recalled a recent event that jolted her into action. While attending a human rights workshop in Accra on June 25, 2025, she learned of a viral video showing a 12-year-old boy tied to a roof and beaten by adults.
This incident, she said, forced her to act fast. She quickly mobilised her networks to find the child and alert the authorities.
Justice in Motion
Thanks to swift efforts by the Ghana Police Service, two suspects were arrested, and the boy was rescued and treated. He has since been reunited with his father.
Zuwera believes this case proves why Ghana must take a zero-tolerance stance on child abuse. And she’s urging every lawmaker to help make that happen.
