PAEDIATRIC SOCIETY OF GHANA 2015 AGSM COMMUNIQUE

PAEDIATRIC SOCIETY OF GHANA COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF OUR ANNUAL AGSM HELD FROM THE 23rd -25th JULY, 2015 AT THE PEMPAMSIE HOTEL, CAPE COAST.

We, the members of the Paediatric Society of Ghana, held our Annual General Assembly (AGSM) held from the 23^rd to the 25^th of July, 2015 at the Pempamsie Hotel, Cape Coast on the theme: “Social Protection for Children in Ghana; a Myth or Reality?” and subsequently wish to state the following:

1. That the Ghanaian child is recognized by the country as needing social protection and better welfare as evidenced by the children’s act and other relevant laws. Indeed, social protection for children is real and not a myth.

2. That there is the urgent need to train doctors and other health professionals (including those in training) across the country in the ability to recognize the abused child, examine him/her and document any relevant findings appropriately for the necessary interventions to be made by the authorities concerned.

3. That neglect as a form of child abuse, which is growing in our society, needs to be recognized and appropriately dealt with.

4. That caregivers and parents be educated on traditionally accepted forms of punishment for children that may actually constitute physical and emotional abuse in children. Other age appropriate alternative forms of punishment should be suggested to them.

5. That we establish appropriate rehabilitation and correctional facilities for child commercial sex workers who are taken off the streets by authorities to be properly treated and re-integrated into society. They must be equipped with the means to have an acceptable alternate form of livelihood.

The Paediatric Society of Ghana will continue with its advocacy for children’s welfare and health as a voice for the voiceless. We call on the media to partner us to ensure that Ghanaian children live healthy lives in an environment of adequate social and economic welfare.

Thank you

Yours faithfully,

Dr Eben Badoe

President

Executive Members:

Dr Eben Badoe (President)

Dr Mame Yaa Nyarko (Vice President)

Dr Naa Djama Glover (Secretary)

Dr Jacqueline Asibey (Vice Secretary)

Dr Christina Osei Yeboah (Treasurer)

Dr Kokou Amegan Aho (Executive Member)

Md Joyce Oppong Ayisi (Executive Member)

Guest Speaker- Mr. Divine Opare – Director for the Department of Children, Central Region

Contact

Phone number: 0207972784

Email: info@pedsgh.com