The Supreme Court has rejected the lawsuit filed by Child Rights International against the Attorney General concerning child streetism

The Supreme Court has rejected a lawsuit filed by Child Rights International against the Attorney-General regarding child streetism. The plaintiff, Bright Appiah, had sought the court’s declaration that the government violated Articles 15(1), (2), 13(1), and 35(4) of the 1992 Constitution by failing to ensure special protection for children against physical and moral hazards.

On February 28, a seven-member panel of Justices, led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, delivered the judgment, dismissing the case due to the plaintiff’s failure to properly invoke the court’s jurisdiction. The court acknowledged the legitimacy of the grievances but emphasized that the plaintiff’s legal representation needed to follow proper procedures.

In the writ filed on March 3, Bright Appiah, as the Executive Director of Child Rights International, highlighted the security threat posed by child streetism and urged the court to compel the Attorney-General to address this persistent issue.

Child Rights International sought various reliefs, including an order directing the government to legislate penalties for family members, local government units, and schools that failed to ensure the protection of children in street situations. Additionally, they sought an order to define penalties for child exploitation through begging or other forms of economic exploitation. The organization also called for legal definitions for the provision of free primary health services to impoverished children, those living in street situations, or children in emergency situations. Furthermore, they requested the government to establish rules and procedures for the provision of free basic medical services to underprivileged children, those in street situations, or those in emergency situations, specifying the agencies authorized to request assistance on behalf of children.