Invest in the welfare of children – UNICEF

 The Country Representative for United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Ghana, Mr. Osama Makkawi Khoga­li, has urged the government and other stakeholders to invest more in the welfare of children.

He explained that Africa was home to a growing number of children, and by the year 2050, four out of every 10 children in the world will live in Africa.

This, he said, was a major reason why more investments are needed in children’s education, health, nutrition, safety, digital access, and job training.

Mr Khogali said this in a statement cop­ied to The Spectator in Accra on Monday June 16 to commemorate the Day of the African Child.

Every year on June 16, the Day of the African Child is celebrated to remember the brave children of the 1976 Soweto Up­rising in South Africa. These children stood up against unfair education and fought for their rights. Today, the day reminds every­one to stand up for the rights and welfare of African children.

Mr. Khogali said, “we must act now so that children would not only survive but grow and succeed. Africa’s future is global, and it begins with the children of today.”

The Country Representative for UNICEF said, in Ghana, children make up about 45 per cent of the country’s population, indicating that the future of Ghana depends heavily on how well children were support­ed and protected today.

He therefore called on governments, communities, families, and individuals to work together and make sure every child has access to good education, health care, safety, and opportunities.

“Helping children now is the smartest way to build a strong and successful coun­try,” he added.

UNICEF is the world’s leading children’s organisation. It works in over 190 countries to protect children’s rights and ensure that every child has the chance to live, grow, and reach their full potential.

 By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu