Obstacles to the protection of children’s rights in coastal communities of Ghana: Voices of stakeholders

Abstract

The safeguarding of children's rights has emerged as a global concern. The concept of child rights protection significantly differs based on the prevailing environmental, socio-economic, socio-cultural, and political situations. This paper uses a qualitative case study research design to examine the challenges to safeguarding child rights in Ghana's fishing communities, specifically in the Ketu South District. The target population included various stakeholders responsible for safeguarding children's rights in the Ketu South District of the Volta Region in Ghana. Eighteen (18) participants were selected based on their availability and willingness to engage in the study. The acquired data was analysed thematically. The research illustrates that the safeguarding of children's rights in the designated area has been obstructed by climate change and its associated phenomena, poverty, physical punishment, and sociocultural practices. The paper recommends a multisectoral approach to tackle societal perceptions of children's safety, poverty, and cultural norms and practices that hinder the protection of children's rights in the study location and other associated fishing communities in Ghana.