The Chairperson of Parliament’s Gender, Children and Social Protection Committee and MP for Krachi West, Helen Ntosu, has called for stronger engagement mechanisms to help young people realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development.
According to her, the era in which issues affecting underrepresented groups were addressed solely through government-driven policies is over, as citizens — particularly young people — increasingly demand platforms that allow them to participate in decision-making processes.
She noted that the shift reflects Ghana’s commitment to openness, transparency, and building public trust.
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Hon. Ntosu made the remarks at the launch of the maiden Mini Parliament initiative organised by the Parliament of Ghana in partnership with the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs, UNICEF and the Learning Tree Foundation at Parliament House in Accra.
The Chief Social Policy and Inclusion Officer at UNICEF, Paulina Sarvilahati, reiterated the importance of amplifying children’s voices in national development, stressing that every child deserves to be heard, protected, and empowered to achieve their dreams.
Highlighting Ghana’s historic role in global child rights advocacy, she recalled that the country was the first in the world to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. She explained that one of the Convention’s key provisions is child participation, which guarantees children the right to freely express their views on matters affecting their lives.
“You deserve to be heard. You deserve to be protected. You deserve to go to school and achieve your dreams,” Ms Sarvilahati told the children, urging them to remain bold and confident in expressing their opinions.
The Director of Public Affairs at Parliament, Kate Addo, commended the children for their confidence, eloquence, and active participation, noting that the Mini Parliament initiative demonstrated their ability to contribute meaningfully to national discourse when given the opportunity.
She encouraged the participants to remain disciplined, informed, and committed to academic excellence, stressing that leadership begins with responsibility, integrity, and service. Madam Addo further advised the children to read widely, sharpen their communication skills, and stay engaged in national affairs to prepare for future leadership roles.
Speaking on the initiative, the Director of Public Engagement at Parliament, Effia Tenge, disclosed that between 2023 and 2025, the department facilitated educational visits by more than 44,000 people to Parliament, with over 70 per cent of visitors being primary and junior high school pupils.
She said the figures demonstrate the growing interest among children in understanding parliamentary processes and governance.
However, she noted that many young visitors struggle to fully understand parliamentary procedures during such visits. The Mini Parliament initiative, she explained, was therefore designed as a practical and interactive platform that allows children to assume the roles of Members of Parliament and debate issues affecting young people.
“The vision is to ensure that the Ghanaian of tomorrow is capable of making meaningful contributions to national progress,” she stated.
The Executive Director of ACEPA, Rasheed Draman, also commended Parliament for creating an innovative platform that promotes inclusion and civic responsibility among children. He said early exposure to governance structures would help nurture informed and responsible citizens capable of contributing positively to national development.
During the maiden sitting, participants debated the topic, “Responsible Use of Technology by Children,” focusing on online safety, digital responsibility, and the impact of technology on children’s well-being.
Officials from the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) also educated participants on internet safety, cyberbullying, and the protection of personal information online.
Commending the initiative, Manye Naa Badu Diaba I urged the children to uphold good moral values, listen to the guidance of parents and teachers, and strive to become responsible future leaders.