Children’s right to participation in decision making- An exploration of its implementation in Ghana

Abstract

Ghana being the first country to ratify the UNCRC and subsequent commitment to the signing of the ACRWC initially suggested a dedication to safeguarding children's rights. Nonetheless, three decades post-UNCRC ratification, child participation in decision-making in Ghana remains in its infancy. This study aimed to examine the implementation of child participation rights, seeking to unravel the factors behind its underachieved status. The study's objectives encompassed exploring the measures put in place to ensure children’s enjoyment of their right to participation in decision-making in Accra and Swedru, examining the effects of the measures put in place to ensure children enjoy their rights to participation in Accra and Swedru, and probing the factors that hinder children’s enjoyment of their rights to participation in decision-making in Accra and Swedru. This research adopted an interpretivist paradigm and employed a qualitative approach with an archival design complemented by interviews for data triangulation. Sampling techniques included a total sample approach for Ghana’s report on the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and expert sampling for 27 participants. Data underwent qualitative content and thematic analysis. Findings indicated that Ghana has implemented measures, including legal harmonization, educational expansion, and forums for children, to facilitate child participation. However, child participation remains embryonic in Accra and Swedru due to limited adult awareness, the absence of evaluation mechanisms, and resource constraints. The study recommends the development of robust evaluation mechanisms and increased budget allocation for implementing Article 12 of the UNCRC, which says children who can form their views have the right to express them.