The Director of the Yilo Krobo Municipal Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Henrietta Glikpo, has expressed concern over what she describes as a growing incidence of child prostitution in Somanya and other parts of the municipality.
She made the remarks during a one-day sensitisation programme on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) held in Somanya in the Eastern Region.
The programme brought together residents, women’s fellowship groups, personnel of the Ghana Police Service, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Department of Social Welfare, health professionals and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for tackling gender-based violence in the municipality.
According to Ms Glikpo, the increasing prevalence of gender-based violence has contributed significantly to child neglect, abuse and other social challenges, including the rise in child prostitution.
“The time has come for parents to take responsibility for the upbringing of their children. Although I have not conducted any formal research on gender-based violence, our engagements with identifiable groups, churches, and community members indicate that the situation is alarming,” she said.
She further stated that, based on her observations and community engagements, gender-based violence remains a major concern within the municipality.
“If I am to rate the prevalence of gender-based violence in the municipality, I would place it at about 80 per cent. Children’s issues have become a major concern, and we are witnessing a rise in child prostitution in the area,” she added.
Ms Glikpo explained that many of the challenges affecting children stem from situations in which young girls become vulnerable after experiencing abuse, neglect or abandonment.
She noted that teenage mothers are particularly at risk when they are left without adequate support after becoming pregnant.
“When a teenager becomes pregnant, she is often sent to live with the man responsible for the pregnancy with the expectation that he will take care of her,” she said.
“However, when support is not forthcoming from the man or his family, the young mother struggles to cope. In some cases, after giving birth, the child is neglected or abandoned, creating a burden for society.”
She stressed that addressing child prostitution and gender-based violence requires a coordinated response involving parents, traditional authorities, religious organisations, schools, security agencies and the broader community.
Ms Glikpo urged residents to report cases of abuse, neglect and exploitation and to actively support efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable children.
She emphasised that every child deserves a safe, supportive and nurturing environment in which to grow and realise their full potential.
The NCCE official further called on all stakeholders to prioritise child protection measures and work collectively to ensure that no child is forced into prostitution or deprived of the care, guidance and opportunities needed for a better future.
