Threat of child streetism suit : Supreme Court gives AG 14 days to file Statement of Case
The March 3, 2022 suit filed by the Child Right International against the state, is primarily seeking to enforce and give meaning to Children’s Right to Education.
“My Lord, we have before you an application for an extension of time to enable us to file our Statement of Case.”
This was the solemn but swift prayer of Principal State Attorney, Grace Oppong to the sole presiding judge, Clemence Honyenuga JSC on Thursday, May 26, 2022, when the case was called.
The March 3, 2022 suit filed by the Child Right International against the state, is primarily seeking to enforce and give meaning to Children’s Right to Education.
In court today, the applicant, who happens to be the Director of the NGO, Mr. Bright Appiah duly registered his presence.
On its part, however, the Attorney General and Deputies were not present but were ably represented by a team of Principal State Attornies led by Madam Grace Oppong.
Her request for the time extension was not objected to by the applicant and thus was upheld by the presiding Justice who noted sternly in his ruling, “You have 14 days from today to file your Statement of Case.”
Child Right International per its suit is seeking inter alia;
- A declaration by the apex court that the government is in breach of articles 15(1), (2), 13(1), and 35(4) of the 1992 Constitution for its failure to ensure the protection of the same against moral hazards per the constitution.
- Additionally, it is seeking the court to declare the current condition of children living in the street inconsistent with the Constitution 1992 on a true and proper interpretation of (1) (c)and (d) clauses (2), (3), and (4) of Article 28 of the Constitution and clauses (1) and (2) of Article 15, clause (1) of Article 13 and clause (4) of Article 35.
- Moreover, the applicant argues that for not taking steps to ensure that children receive special protection against exposure to physical and moral hazards and more, the Government of Ghana is in breach of articles 25(a), 28 (1) (a), (d), (2) (3) (4), 13(1) and 37 of the 1992 Constitution.
- Also, they want an order of the court directed at the Government to define penalties for families which do not ensure the observance of rights of children in street situations and define penalties for economic exploitation of children for begging, etc.
- Furthermore, an order was directed to the Government to improve the country’s healthcare by providing free primary health services to poor children on the streets and providing procedures to be followed for the same.
