President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Efua Ghartey Esq.
The President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Efua Ghartey Esq., has reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to partnering with Compassion International Ghana to advocate for child rights and ensure access to justice for every child across the country.
She made the remarks during the 20th Anniversary celebration of Compassion International Ghana, held on July 24, 2025, under the theme “20 Years of Service in Child and Youth Transformation.”
Delivering the keynote address, Efua Ghartey praised the organisation’s dedication to child welfare and challenged stakeholders to build on the progress made over the past two decades.
She highlighted the evolving challenges facing Ghanaian youth, including digital disruption, mental health struggles, unemployment, peer pressure, and cyber exploitation.
“The next phase of transformation must be innovative, integrating digital literacy, legal awareness, psychosocial support, and career readiness,” she said.
She further assured that the GBA’s Committee for Women and Minority Rights, chaired by Sheila Minkah-Premo, would actively collaborate with Compassion International Ghana to strengthen corporate governance structures, train board members, and ensure the sustainability of its interventions.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, Ghartey noted, “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children. Today, your work reveals something exceptional about the soul of Ghana.”
She emphasised that child protection is not only a moral obligation but also a legal mandate under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, the Children’s Act (1998, Act 560), and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Ghartey also acknowledged government policies such as the Exemptions Act, 2022 (Act 1083), which offers tax waivers to donors and charities, describing it as a vital support mechanism for child-focused NGOs.
Compassion International Ghana, which has served children and youth across the country for two decades, was lauded for its far-reaching impact in addressing child poverty and equipping young people with life skills.
Speaking on behalf of Very Rev Professor Johnson Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Right Rev Agyakwa Bossman commended Compassion International for its Christ-centered approach to child welfare.
“The numbers we see here represent multiplied impact. Young people you have empowered are influencing their peers, creating ripple effects across communities,” he said.
Rev Philip Kofi Tutu, Chairman of the Governing Council of Compassion International Ghana, expressed appreciation to church partners, government representatives, staff, and project workers.
He described the 20-year journey as one of resilience and faith, noting that the organisation had implemented 18 tailor-made interventions to address child poverty.
“This anniversary is a moment of reflection and renewed commitment to deepen our impact and build a more just and inclusive society,” he stated.
Bright Appiah, Executive Director of Child Rights International, also commended Compassion International, stressing the need for guidance and mentorship for children.
“Children have great ambitions. With the right support, they can change the world,” he remarked.
As part of the celebrations, Compassion International Ghana recognized outstanding students in the BECE and WASSCE examinations. Atakora Amaniapong and Princess Nimo Boateng Konadu emerged as the best WASSCE students in the northern zone.
Long-serving staff who had worked with the organization for over two decades were also honoured for their dedication and service.
Compassion International Ghana’s National Director, Kobina Yeboah Okyere, reaffirmed the organisation’s long-term vision:
“The next decade will focus on deeper partnerships, stronger policy engagement, and broader reach to touch more lives,” he said.
AM/MA
