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Foreword

Prospera Dzang-Tedam’s quest for social justice goes as far back as her Bachelor of Arts days at the University of Ghana (1992-1996). In contributing to research, her Long Essay (dissertation) took her on a journey that questioned the relevance of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and the human rights violation of same against women’s Human Rights. This book, ‘Child Protection in Boarding Schools in Ghana: Contemporary Issues, Challenges and Opportunities’ seeks to contribute to finding solutions to a phenomenon which is silent but potent enough to stifle the progress of the country if not managed. So often we hear society allude to ‘our children, are our future’.

In recent conversation with Prospera Dzang-Tedam, she questioned if this perception is also informing the tendency to defer, relinquish and procrastinate on the present needs of ‘our children’. How do we expect a bumper harvest, when seedlings are not carefully selected, and no attention paid to the quality of the soil? Current trends and informing elements of the world have made the parenting and training of children an enormous task for both parents and teachers, more so in the case of the girl-child. Globally and more so in Africa, of which Ghana is part, the socio-biological context of the girl-child leaves the cohort at risk for failure to develop and contribute to society. In the context of nation-building and social development, this calls for concerted efforts from stakeholders to ensure the optimal development of the girl-child.

I want to personally thank Prospera Dzang-Tedam for responding to this need with the project in the Johnsonville area of Ghana, which could also benefit all schools in the country, if implemented. Child Protection in Boarding Schools in Ghana, in my view, should have been conceived and operationalized nationwide a decade ago when it became evident that the girl-child is being challenged with dismal social development indicators (dropout rates, pregnancies and the spread of STD/HIV/AIDS) of the same stereotype/genotype. The need for creative ways in our response to these challenges for optimal development of the future generation, cannot be overlooked. On this note, may I question where Ghana expects to rally its critical mass (women) for social development? ‘Child Protection in Boarding Schools in Ghana: Contemporary Issues, Challenges and Opportunities’ holds the answer – read on.

by Ms Mariama Kuntulo Dauda

(MSSW, Columbia University)

April 2017