UNDERSTANDING CHILD ABUSE IN CARE INSTITUTIONS IN GHANA AS A CHILD PROTECTION CONCERN

Ghana has enacted a number of legislations, including the Children's Act, 1998, Act 560, which have enshrined the need to protect children against abuse in law and mandated institutional care for those who are exposed to the phenomenon. However, are children safe from abuse and neglect in these care institutions? This paper calls attention to child abuse and neglect in care institutions in Ghana as a child protection concern. Through a systematic review of existing literature the paper compiles evidence on child abuse and neglect in care institutions internationally to advance the argument that a similar phenomenon is going on in Ghana. The paper then draws on reports of investigative journalists to establish evidence on abuse and neglect in child care institutions in Ghana that corroborates the international literature. It is established that children in care institutions are subjected to physical, psychological, and sexual abuse and to various forms of neglectful practices. Implications for policy and professional practice for Ghana are discussed.