The Parliament of Ghana has introduced the first edition of its Mini Parliament initiative to give children a strong platform to discuss national issues that affect them and contribute ideas to decision-making.
Speaking at the launch, the Chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on Gender, Children and Social Protection and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Krachi West, Madam Helen Ntosu, said policymakers could no longer make decisions for underrepresented groups without involving them.
“Citizens, especially the youth, now seek platforms to be heard in decision-making processes,” Madam Ntosu said. She explained that Ghana’s growing focus on openness and transparency had increased the need for public participation and trust.
The Director of Media Relations at the Parliamentary Service, David Sebastian Damoah, said Parliament launched the programme in partnership with the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), UNICEF, and the Learning Tree Foundation.
UNICEF’s Chief Social Policy and Inclusion Officer, Paulina Sarvilahati, highlighted the importance of involving children in national conversations. She recalled that Ghana became the first country in the world to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
“You deserve to be heard. You deserve to be protected. You deserve to go to school and achieve your dreams,” she told the children. She also encouraged them to speak boldly and confidently about their ideas.
Parliament’s Director of Public Engagement, Superintendent Effia Tenge (Rtd), said the department welcomed more than 44,000 visitors between 2023 and 2025, with over 70 per cent of them being pupils from primary and junior high schools.
According to her, many of the children found parliamentary procedures difficult to understand, which created the need for a more engaging and practical learning method.
“The Mini Parliament is a practical, interactive platform that enables children to assume the roles of Members of Parliament and debate national issues affecting young people.
“The vision is to ensure that the Ghanaian of tomorrow is capable of making meaningful contributions to national progress,” she said.
Officials from the Cyber Security Authority also educated the children on internet safety, cyberbullying, and ways to protect personal information online.
The Divisional Head of Public Affairs, Kate Addo, urged the children to stay disciplined and remain committed to their education.
Parliament says it will continue the Mini Parliament initiative as part of efforts to deepen youth participation and prepare future leaders through practical civic education.
