The Parliament of Ghana has launched the maiden edition of the Mini Parliament initiative, a groundbreaking programme designed to give children a stronger voice in governance and national development.
The initiative, organised in partnership with the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), UNICEF and the Learning Tree Foundation at Parliament House, seeks to provide children with an interactive platform to engage in parliamentary proceedings and debate issues affecting their lives and future.
Speaking at the launch, the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Gender, Children and Social Protection and MP for Krachi West, Hon Helen Ntosu, stressed the need for stronger engagement mechanisms that would empower young people to realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national progress.
According to her, the days when governments alone initiated and implemented policies for underrepresented groups without active citizen participation were over.
“We are now in an era where citizens, especially young people, want to be heard and involved in decision-making processes that affect their lives,” she stated, adding that the development reflects Ghana’s growing commitment to openness, transparency and public trust.
The Chief Social Policy and Inclusion Officer at UNICEF, Paulina Sarvilahati, also underscored the importance of amplifying children’s voices in national affairs.
She reminded participants that Ghana made history as the first country in the world to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, noting that child participation remains one of the Convention’s most important provisions.
“You deserve to be heard. You deserve to be protected. You deserve to go to school and achieve your dreams,” she told the children, encouraging them to be bold and confident in expressing their views.
The Divisional Public Affairs Officer of Parliament, Kate Addo, applauded the confidence, eloquence and enthusiasm displayed by the children during the programme.
She noted that the initiative had demonstrated the ability of children to contribute meaningfully to national conversations when given the opportunity.
Madam Addo further urged the participants to remain disciplined, pursue academic excellence and continuously sharpen their communication and leadership skills.
“Leadership begins with responsibility, integrity and service,” she advised.
Speaking on the rationale behind the initiative, the Director of Public Engagement at Parliament, Effia Tenge, revealed that between 2023 and 2025, Parliament hosted more than 44,000 visitors through its educational outreach programme, with over 70 per cent being primary and junior high school pupils.
She explained that although many children visit Parliament, a significant number struggle to fully understand parliamentary procedures during such visits.
“The Mini Parliament initiative is intended to provide a practical and interactive experience where children can assume the roles of Members of Parliament and debate national issues affecting young people,” she explained.
“The vision is to ensure that the Ghanaian of tomorrow is capable of making meaningful contributions to national progress,” she added.
The Executive Director of African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs, Rasheed Draman, commended Parliament for introducing what he described as an innovative platform that promotes civic responsibility and inclusion among children.
According to him, exposing children to governance structures at an early age would help nurture informed and responsible future leaders.
During the maiden sitting, participants debated the topic, “Responsible Use of Technology by Children,” with discussions centred on online safety, digital responsibility and the impact of technology on children’s wellbeing.
Officials from the Cyber Security Authority also educated participants on internet safety, cyberbullying and the protection of personal information online.
The Queen Mother of the Dzorwulu Abelemkpe Subdivision Stool, Manye Naa Badu Diaba I, encouraged the children to uphold strong moral values, respect the guidance of parents and teachers, and work hard towards becoming responsible leaders of the future.
Source: expressnewsghana.com