Parliament has launched the Mini Parliament initiative to provide young people with a platform to express their views on issues affecting them and deepen their understanding of parliamentary work.
At the maiden edition held at Parliament House yesterday, participants debated the topic: “Responsible use of technology by children.”
The programme was organised by Parliament in partnership with the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), UNICEF and the Learning Tree Foundation.
Speaking at the event, the chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on Gender, Children and Social Protection and MP for Krachi West, Mrs Helen Ntosu, called for stronger engagement mechanisms to help young people realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development.
She said such platforms had become necessary because the era when issues affecting underrepresented groups were addressed solely through government-led policies was over.
According to her, citizens, especially the youth, now seek opportunities to be heard in decision-making processes, reflecting Ghana’s commitment to openness, transparency and public trust.
The Chief Social Policy and Inclusion Officer at UNICEF, Ms Paulina Sarvilahati, stressed the importance of amplifying children’s voices in national development.
She reminded participants that Ghana was the first country to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which guarantees children the right to freely express their views on matters affecting their lives.
“You deserve to be heard. You deserve to be protected. You deserve to go to school and achieve your dreams,” she told participants, urging them to remain bold and confident in sharing their opinions.
The Divisional Public Affairs Officer of Parliament, Ms Kate Addo, commended the children for their confidence and active participation, saying the initiative demonstrated their ability to contribute meaningfully to national issues when given the opportunity.
She encouraged them to remain disciplined, informed and committed to academic excellence, adding that leadership begins with responsibility, integrity and service.
Director of Public Engagement at Parliament, Superintendent (rtd) Effia Tenge, disclosed that between 2023 and 2025, more than 44,000 people visited Parliament under its educational programme, with over 70 per cent being primary and junior high school pupils.
She said the figures reflected children’s strong interest in understanding parliamentary work but noted that many young visitors struggled to fully grasp parliamentary procedures.
According to her, the Mini Parliament initiative offers a practical and interactive platform where children assume the roles of Members of Parliament and debate issues affecting young people.
“The vision is to ensure that the Ghanaian of tomorrow is capable of making meaningful contributions to national progress,” she added.
Executive Director of ACEPA, Rasheed Draman, praised Parliament for creating a platform that promotes inclusion and civic responsibility among children, while the Queen Mother of the Dzorwulu Abelemkpe Subdivision Stool, Manye Naa Badu Diaba I, urged participants to uphold good moral values and strive to become responsible future leaders.
BY BENJAMIN ARCTON-TETTEY
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