NGO condemns use of minors for political campaigns 

A non-governmental organisation, Child Online Africa, has warned Ghanaian political parties to avoid using children for campaigning in the 2020 elections.

The organisation said the Children’s (Amendment) Act 2016 frowns on using minors in campaign advertisements.

In a statement, Child Online Africa called on parents to safeguard the welfare of their children and not allow political parties to use them. The NGO said such action constitutes a violation of the rights of children.

“As a result of these provisions, we remind parents of their crucial role as gatekeepers who have the responsibility of safeguarding the welfare of children and to caution that they prevent any political party or association from exploiting these young ones in such an undue manner,” the statement said.

Pull down adverts

Child Online Africa further urged all political parties that have used children for campaign advertisements to pull them down immediately.

The group said it is only fair that minors be excluded from such matters, as  they are not allowed to vote. It said most of the children are “either being coerced or lured” into making political party endorsements.

“We first of all believe that such activities on the internet violate domestic, regional, global protocols as well as laws governing the rights of the child, including provisions on child welfare as contained in the Children’s (Amendment) Act 2016 of Ghana,” a statement from the group said.

“These parties ought to be reminded that as much as they do not want minors to vote in the general elections, it is only fair that they also are excluded from all forms and spheres of electioneering … before, during and after the December polls.”

Arrest offenders

The group also appealed to the law-enforcement agencies to apprehend quickly all those involved in using minors for political campaigns.

“The law-enforcement agencies, especially the cybercrime unit of the Ghana Police Service, must be seen to be effective at this time by acting swiftly to apprehend persons who are found culpable of this offence,” the NGO said. 

“Media owners should contribute to child online protection by making sure their editorial policies include written procedures that ensure consistent implementation of policies and processes that protect freedom of expression for children and young people, as well as documentation of compliance with these policies.” 

E A Alanore 

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