Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ghanaian Times
Published on 2024-02-29 06:49:51
The Supreme Court made a decision yesterday to dismiss the lawsuit filed by Child Rights International against the Ministry of Justice and Attorney-General regarding child streetism. Child Rights International’s Executive Director, Bright Appiah, who was the Plaintiff, sought to declare that the Government of Ghana was in violation of several articles of the 1992 Constitution for failing to provide proper protection to children against physical and moral hazards as outlined in the Constitution.
The lawsuit was filed on March 3, 2022, with Mr. Appiah arguing that child streetism posed a threat to the nation’s security and urged the court to compel the Attorney-General to address this issue. However, the seven-member panel of judges, led by the Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, ruled that Mr. Appiah failed to properly invoke the court’s jurisdiction. While acknowledging the validity of the plaintiff’s concerns, the Chief Justice advised Mr. Appiah to organize his case more effectively.
Following the court’s decision, Mr. Appiah emphasized that child streetism is a significant national security concern that should not be ignored. He stated that his legal team would review the ruling and take appropriate action. In his initial lawsuit, Mr. Appiah accused the government of breaching various articles of the Constitution by failing to ensure children receive proper protection against physical and moral dangers.
Mr. Appiah initiated the lawsuit as the head of a registered organization dedicated to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law. He sought clarification from the court on whether the conditions faced by children living on the streets in Ghana were consistent with the Constitution. He also requested several declarations and reliefs, including the establishment of Child Protection Units in areas where child exploitation for begging and work is prevalent.
Furthermore, Mr. Appiah urged the court to define penalties by law for family members, local government units, and schools that do not safeguard the rights of children in street situations. He also called for penalties for child exploitation for begging or other forms of economic exploitation in order to deter individuals from benefiting financially from children’s labor.
In conclusion, the court’s decision to dismiss the lawsuit highlights the importance of properly presenting legal arguments in court. While Mr. Appiah’s concerns regarding child streetism are valid, he has been advised to refine his case and seek appropriate legal remedies. It remains to be seen how Child Rights International will proceed in their efforts to protect children from the dangers of street life in Ghana.
Read the original article on Ghanaian Times
