The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has commemorated the 2025 World Children’s Day with the 7th Sitting of the National Children’s Parliament.

The event, held under the theme “My Right: Investing in Early Childhood, A National Priority,” provided a national platform for children to discuss issues affecting their lives and for stakeholders to examine the implementation of the revised Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Policy.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to promoting children’s rights — particularly their right to participate in decision-making through the annual sittings of the Children’s Parliament.

She noted that the theme gives children the opportunity to express their views on the revised ECCD Policy. She stressed that every child “deserves to live, learn, play and grow in dignity and freedom.”

Dr Lartey underscored the importance of the early years in shaping a child’s learning, behaviour and long-term wellbeing. She highlighted that high-quality interventions — including prenatal care, early learning, proper nutrition, protection from abuse and parental support — offer lifelong benefits.

Citing research by Nobel Laureate economist James Heckman, she explained that “every dollar invested in early childhood development returns up to seven dollars in economic gains,” showing that ECCD is a powerful tool for breaking cycles of intergenerational poverty.

On the revised ECCD Policy, the Minister said it adopts an integrated approach covering care, stimulation, health, nutrition and safety for children aged 0 to 8 years.

She added that the Ministry, with support from UNICEF, is developing a National Parenting Strategy to provide parents and caregivers with practical tools to support early learning and development.

Welcoming participants, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr Afisah Zakariah, also stressed the importance of nurturing the holistic development of children.

Development partners including UNICEF Ghana, Plan International, Children Believe, Compassion International and SOS Ghana delivered solidarity messages.

They highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between government, communities and partners to advance early childhood development, strengthen child protection systems and uphold children’s rights nationwide.

The 7th Sitting of the National Children’s Parliament featured debates and presentations by child parliamentarians from across the country.

They raised key concerns affecting their constituencies, appealed for prompt action from the President, and discussed the implementation of the revised ECCD Policy.

Their contributions reinforced the need for effective programmes, sustained advocacy and collective effort to support the welfare and development of all children in Ghana.