As part of activities to mark World Children’s Day celebrations, UNICEF unveiled a vibrant mural based on ideas and aspirations shared by children across Ghana.
The mural, which runs across the walls outside the UN compound and UNICEF House, symbolizes the dreams of children and depicts the rights of children.
Before the unveiling of the mural, Child Parliamentarians reminded the participants of some of the most pressing concerns of children in Ghana. They also displayed placards with their rights, including the following: all children of school going age should be enrolled in school, every child should live in a clean environment; books and learning materials should be available in every school and laws protecting children against violence and abuse should be enforced.
The mural includes Adinkra symbols that represent love, harmony, hope, inspiration, hard work, diligence, strength and endurance.
The mural also serves to commemorate Ghana’s advancement of child rights, as the first country in the world to have ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The Chief Director, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Afisah Zakaria, joined the event and said: “This morning the Child Parliamentarians eloquently spoke about the situation and their needs. They submitted a Manifesto and called on the Government to take further action in several areas. I am particularly happy that the handprints of these children form the leaves of the beautiful tree of life on one of the panels of the mural”.
The UN Resident Coordinator, Charles Abani, added: “Children and young people should be involved in decisions that affect them. The new mural being unveiled is a re-affirmation of the UN’s commitment to advocate for, invest in, and protect the rights and well-being of every child in Ghana. Together we vow to leave no child behind”.
The UNICEF Representative in Ghana, Anne-Claire Dufay, was accompanied by Laetitia, Speaker of the National Children’s Parliament, who is visually impaired. Laetitia’s dream is to become a journalist. Mrs Dufay said: “With her talents, skills and determination, Laetitia is a wonderful source of inspiration. Together, we are delighted to commemorate this year’s World Children’s Day. We can all be champion of child rights and contribute to a better world for children”.
