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The Builsa North Municipal Assembly has officially adopted a children’s assembly model aimed at integrating the perspectives of minors into local governance and policymaking. Implemented under the Engaged Providers and Informed Communities (EPIC) Project by the Center for Learning and Childhood Development (CLCD) Ghana, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between children and local authorities. The project is supported by funding from the United Kingdom’s National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and marks a shift toward inclusive administration in the municipality.
Under this new framework, children from 15 selected schools across the municipality are given a platform to directly engage with local officials. These young representatives are encouraged to raise pressing concerns regarding their welfare, focusing on areas such as inadequate educational infrastructure, the rising incidence of teenage pregnancy, and access to quality healthcare services. By providing a structured environment for these discussions, the assembly aims to ensure that the specific needs of children are not overlooked in the broader development agenda of the district.
Dr. Kwame Sakyi, a representative from CLCD Ghana, emphasized that the initiative is rooted in the recognition of children’s rights as a fundamental component of effective policymaking. Supporting this view, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Builsa North, Solomon Akogti, highlighted that children are not merely the future of the nation but are active participants in the present. He noted that their involvement in governance discussions is essential for creating sustainable solutions that address the challenges they face daily.
The children's assembly model is part of a larger intersectoral collaboration designed to improve early childhood outcomes through 2029. By fostering a culture of participation from a young age, the Builsa North Municipal Assembly hopes to build a more responsive and accountable local government structure. The project will continue to monitor the impact of these engagements on municipal policy decisions over the next five years, ensuring that the voices of the youth lead to tangible improvements in community services.