ABSTRACT
The Republic of Ghana prides itself as the first country in the world to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child on 5 February 1990. Despite what was hailed as a forward-thinking and laudable achievement, progress on the ground continues to be slow, with more investment and engagement required. Harmful cultural and traditional practices, child labour, child domestic servitude, absence of birth registration in parts of Ghana, street children, poverty and socio-economic disadvantage have hindered the realisation of rights for all children in Ghana. In addition, while there have been developments in the understanding of young people’s rights, the same cannot be said for younger children. By drawing on research evidence, this chapter examines the enablers and barriers to achieving rights for young children in Ghana. Specific reference is made to legislative and policy frameworks underpinning this area, and practice in early childhood education and care is explored. The impact of gender on young children’s rights is also discussed. As celebrities and artists are increasingly promoting children’s rights across Ghana, the impact of this growing phenomenon is discussed, alongside the role of government and non-governmental organisations in advocating for the rights of young children to be given the attention and commitment they deserve.
