Stakeholders Call for Unified National Strategy to Protect Ghana's Children from Preventable Injuries

In a significant move to safeguard the younger generation, stakeholders in Ghana have converged to advocate for a coordinated national approach to child safety. Organized by the Child Health and Safety Organisation (CHSO), the Child Health and Safety Stakeholder Engagement Workshop was timed to coincide with the Day of the African Child. The gathering brought together a diverse group of health professionals, educators, and community leaders, all united by the common goal of reducing the incidence of preventable childhood injuries across the country through strategic policy and community action.

During the workshop, Mr. Samuel Frimpong, the founder of CHSO, underscored a critical reality: a vast majority of the injuries children suffer are entirely preventable with the right interventions and awareness. He emphasized that the current landscape often prioritizes reactive measures after an incident has occurred, whereas the national focus should shift toward a robust culture of prevention. By identifying environmental hazards in schools and homes and implementing early intervention strategies, the CHSO aims to create a safer environment for Ghanaian children in both domestic and public spaces.

Adding a clinical and educational perspective, Dr. Abigail Amankwa-Boateng highlighted the essential roles of safety education and surveillance systems. She argued that without robust data collection and widespread public awareness, efforts to mitigate risks would remain fragmented and less effective. Participants at the workshop pledged to enhance safety protocols within schools and local communities, ensuring that educators and caregivers are better equipped to identify potential risks and respond effectively. This collaborative spirit is seen as vital for building a sustainable framework for child protection that transcends individual institutional efforts.

The recommendations emerging from this engagement are set to serve as a blueprint for future public health policy efforts in Ghana. These insights will play a pivotal role in the lead-up to the CHSO World Children’s Day Summit, currently scheduled for November 2026. By fostering a multi-sectoral alliance between the government, health sectors, and local communities, the CHSO and its partners hope to ensure that child safety remains a top national priority, ultimately reducing the physical and emotional burden of injury on families and the national healthcare system.