Address systematic issues surrounding juvenile correction – Child Rights Advocate

 Child Rights Advocate and Politi­cian, Ms Bridget Bonnie, has urged the public to support the reinte­gration of juveniles back into society after completing their sentences.

She also called for increased atten­tion from policymakers and the public to address systemic issues surrounding juvenile correction such as the right infrastructure and environment.

Speaking during a recent visit to the Junior Girls Correctional Center in Accra to celebrate the reintegration of one of the girls who had completed her sentence, she also urged the children not to allow their past affect their future development.

She added that, “you can live a very impactful lives and contribute mean­ingfully to the growth of Ghana, if you stay focus and put yourself on the right path.”

“True reintegration means giving them the opportunity to rebuild and thrive. They may be behind walls to­day, but their dreams and potential de­serve a chance,” said Bridget Bonnie.

The visit dubbed “Hope Beyond the Walls” saw Bridget Bonnie and her friends donate essential items including bunk beds, mattresses, sanitary pads, toothpaste, underwear, spaghetti, canned fish, rice, sugar, cooking oil, drinks and water to the center.

“These contributions brought com­fort, dignity and a sense of hope to the young girls, and many whom are survivors of abuse or missing children,” she stated.

The team also hosted a party for the girls and children at the center where they shared food and drinks, amidst music and heartfelt conversations, in a bid to create a much-needed atmo­sphere of warmth, healing and encour­agement.

Ms Bonnie also bemoaned the lack of proper educational support and vocational instructors to support the children within the facility.

In his reaction to that, the Regional Minister for Ahafo, Mrs Charity Gardin­er, pledged her personal and institu­tional support to assist the reintegrat­ed young lady in learning a trade and rebuilding her life.

She also expressed her willingness to support broader reintegration efforts for the other girls.

A Psychologist and Youth Advocate Dr Juliet Yayra Tengey, also offered words of encouragement and emotional support emphasising on the power of healing, forgiveness and the impor­tance of self-worth.

“Your past does not define your future. You have every right to dream again and live again,” she stated.

On her part, the Unit Head of the Correctional Center, Madam Vida Naa Ashiokaa Noye, expressed gratitude to Bridget Bonnie and the team.

“It’s not every day that people remember these girls. What you have done today is not just about the dona­tions, it’s about the dignity, love and hope you have restored in them. It means a lot to us and to the girls,” she stated.

She also called for increased atten­tion from policymakers and the public to address systemic issues surrounding juvenile correction and reintegration.

By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu