Calls for Juvenile Justice Act Reform Intensify: Executive Director Highlights Urgent Gaps
Urgent call for reform of Ghana's Juvenile Justice Act 2003 (Act 653) to safeguard the rights of juvenile offenders and enhance their reintegration into society.
Susan Sabaa, the Executive Director of the Child Research and Resource Centre, has raised significant concerns regarding the efficacy of Ghana's Juvenile Justice Act 2003 (Act 653), advocating for urgent reforms to safeguard the rights of juvenile offenders and facilitate their successful reintegration into society.
Addressing attendees at the "Thriving Child Seminar Series," organized by Compassion International Ghana (CIGH), Sabaa emphasized the pressing need to address existing gaps in the legislation to ensure the comprehensive welfare and protection of juvenile offenders in the country.
During her presentation on "The Juvenile Justice System in Ghana — Current Realities and Needed Reforms," Sabaa meticulously outlined various sections of the Act, including Rights of Juvenile, Arrest and Caution, Juvenile Court, and Correctional Centers, pinpointing specific deficiencies that necessitate reform for more effective rehabilitation outcomes.
While acknowledging the inherent value of the law, Sabaa stressed the imperative of expanding the rights section beyond mere arrest procedures to encompass broader protections for juveniles throughout the justice process.
Moreover, Sabaa underscored the vital importance of psychosocial support for juvenile offenders, highlighting its pivotal role in facilitating their successful reintegration into society. She lamented the absence of formal transitional programs and support within correctional centers, identifying them as significant barriers to the reintegration process.
In light of these concerns, Sabaa revealed that there is an ongoing review of the Juvenile Justice Act awaiting cabinet approval. She expressed optimism that the proposed reforms would enhance the justice system's ability to deliver equitable outcomes for children while upholding their rights and promoting their overall welfare.
As calls for reform intensify, stakeholders are urged to prioritize the comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration of juvenile offenders, fostering a justice system that is both restorative and conducive to public safety and social cohesion.
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