The CEO of the Street Children Empowerment Foundation (SCEF), Paul Semeh, has urged immediate coordinated efforts to assist street-connected children in the nation.
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Mr. Semeh made this statement during the SCEF@15 stakeholders forum, themed “Turning Research into Action: Advancing the Rights and Welfare of Street Children and Youth in Ghana.” The event gathered experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss new research findings and policy suggestions.
He stressed that aiding street-connected children requires more than just charitable acts; it necessitates data-driven advocacy, strategic partnerships, and robust institutional support.
“We believe that tackling the complex issues faced by street children must be based on evidence,” he stated. The research confirms that while these young individuals are resilient, they require support systems to thrive, not merely survive.
The research reexamined data from the Growing Up on the Streets project, which initially explored the lives of youth in Ghana, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Utilizing a multi-systemic resilience framework, the updated study reveals how young people manage life on the streets and the systems that either hinder or assist them.
Dr. Lorraine Van Blerk, a Professor of Human Geography at the University of Dundee in Scotland, highlighted that the findings underscore the need to go beyond individual resilience and focus on institutional and community support.
“Youth aspire to succeed, but they cannot do it alone. They need society and systems to support them,” she remarked.
Four key policy briefs were introduced, addressing issues related to violence, health, basic needs, and livelihoods.
Mr. Semeh expressed particular concern about the violence faced by young girls, noting that access to justice is often obstructed by financial and institutional hurdles.
“Victims are required to pay between 250 to 800 cedis just to receive medical care. This makes justice unattainable and allows violence to persist unchecked,” he emphasized.
Paul Semeh called for a national commitment to zero tolerance for violence and stronger incorporation of the policy recommendations into Ghana’s National Strategic Plan. He also urged the government and stakeholders to take immediate action to translate findings into meaningful, lasting change.
Highlighting the strength and potential of street-connected youth, he pointed to the success stories of Ghanaian musicians, footballers, and entrepreneurs who once lived on the streets.
The stakeholders’ forum served as both a celebration of progress and a serious call to action. Participants hope that the findings will shape policies and programs that genuinely protect and empower street-connected children throughout the country and beyond.
