The newly added team members are Dr. Dzifa A. Attah, a clinical psychologist, and Dr. Patience Ashorkor Quaye, a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police.

They were first announced as Fellows during the 2024 International Missing Children’s Day event held at the Marriott Hotel, Accra, recently.

In an interview with the media at the event, the Founder of Missing Children Ghana, Ms Regina Asamoah, said the addition marked a significant stride for the organization towards advancing the rights of children and women, as well as addressing gaps in curbing the missing children phenomenon in the country.

She added that, the organization finds the new addition thrilling as it is happening at a crucial time, with elections ahead, a time when cases of missing children are likely to increase.

The two professionals, Ms. Asamoah said, bring extensive expertise in child protection and mental health, safeguarding, and promising holistic support for traumatized families.

“The inclusion of Dr. Attah and Dr. Quaye as Fellows of Missing Children Ghana marks a transformative chapter in the organization’s mission. Their combined expertise in mental health and child protection is sure to provide comprehensive support to traumatized families, advancing the cause of vulnerable children and women across Ghana.”

“It is a known thing in this country that a lot of children stray away from home during election year. Now, with these distinguished Fellows on board, Missing Children Ghana reaffirms its commitment to creating a safer and more just world for all, especially children and women,” she stressed.

She expressed gratitude to Missing Children Ghana partners – Ghana Italian Women Association (GIWA), IPMC Ghana, Family Based Care Alliance (FaBCA), Ghana Police Service, Department of Social Welfare, Residential Homes for Children, Africa Missing Children Network, International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC) and Accra Marriott Hotel.

Ms Asamoah further called on corporate Ghana and all well-meaning Ghanaians to come aboard and offer the support needed to protect children and reunite missing children with their families.

Background of newly appointed professionals

Dr. Dzifa A. Attah

Dr. Dzifa A. Attah is a pioneer in mental health. She is a clinical psychologist with over 14 years of experience. As a faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Ghana Medical School, Dr. Attah is known for her work in treating trauma and stress-related disorders in women, children, and adolescents.

Her contributions to mental health are extensive, ranging from conducting pivotal research to developing psychosocial interventions aimed at addressing mental health challenges.

Dr. Attah’s scholarly work, published in various peer-reviewed journals, spans topics such as sexuality, abuse, cultural adjustment, and digital mental health interventions. Beyond academia, she dedicates herself to mentoring young individuals and conducting community service to enhance public awareness of mental health issues. Her efforts significantly bolster local mental health programs in Ghana and beyond. 

ACP (Rtd.) Dr. Patience Ashorkor Quaye

ACP (Rtd) Dr Patience Ashorkor Quaye is a crusader against human trafficking.

With a career marked by an unwavering commitment to combat human trafficking and gender-based violence, ACP (retired) Dr Patience Ashorkor Quaye’s induction as a Fellow is a testament to her extraordinary dedication.

Her journey in law enforcement began in 1977, leading to the establishment of Ghana’s pioneering Anti-Human Trafficking Unit under her visionary leadership. This unit represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s fight against human trafficking.

Dr. Quaye’s impact extends internationally through her roles with INTERPOL, significantly strengthening global efforts against human trafficking and gender-based violence.

Her legal acumen was demonstrated by her securing the prosecution and conviction of Ghana’s first trafficking case, setting a powerful precedent for justice.

Recognized as a hero in the 2007 Trafficking in Persons Report, Dr. Quaye advocates for collaboration among criminal justice professionals, healthcare providers, and NGOs to create comprehensive solutions.

She has been instrumental in organizing annual delegations from Ghana to international conferences, facilitating knowledge exchange and training law enforcement agencies worldwide.

Locally, Dr. Quaye’s commitment is evident through community outreach programs and collaborations with NGOs, reflecting her deep compassion for the vulnerable.

Her accolades include the Human Trafficking Award, recognition from President Barack Obama, and the UN CRC Meritorious Award, underscoring her exceptional contributions.

A commitment to justice and equality

Both Dr. Attah and Dr. Quaye are admired for their integrity, intellect, and dedication to justice and equality.

Dr. Quaye, in particular, continues to mentor aspiring individuals in the fight against domestic and gender-based violence and human trafficking, promoting child education and women’s empowerment.

Meanwhile, Missing Children Ghana was in the news recently following its 2024 International Missing Children’s Day celebration.

Since its inception three years ago, the NGO has reunited over 300 missing people – children and adults, with their families, under the able leadership of multiple award-winning journalist, Ms. Regina Asamoah.

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Addressing a gathering in Tamale to commemorate this year’s World Day Against Child Labour, Mr. Dery highlighted the critical link between the economic stability of families and the reduction of child labour.

Mr. Dery stressed that improving job opportunities and income-generating capacities for families would significantly reduce the vulnerability of children to exploitative labour practices.

Citing research, he noted that approximately 21% of children aged five to seventeen are engaged in child labour, with 14.2% involved in hazardous forms.

At the event, he referenced findings from a study conducted by Challenging Heights, which revealed that over 60% of children living in the Volta Lake area are engaged in some form of child labour, particularly within the fishing industry.

He urged all stakeholders to recommit to the eradication of child labour and called for a comprehensive, long-term strategy to address this persistent issue.

DSP William Ayariga, Head of the Anti-Child Trafficking Unit at the Northern Regional Headquarters of the Ghana Police Service, emphasized the need for the government to strengthen existing laws and policies on child labour.

He advocated for increased sensitization efforts to educate families and children about the dangers and illegality of child labour.

“The government must lead by example. It is essential to fortify our laws and ensure they are effective in addressing child labour comprehensively,” DSP Ayariga stated.

The Acting Northern Regional Labour Officer, Mustapha Alhassan, acknowledged progress in community sensitization but pointed out the ongoing challenge of inadequate resources. He reiterated the necessity for government support to equip the relevant agencies adequately for the task.

“We are committed to eradicating child labour through community education, but we face significant resource constraints. Government intervention is crucial,” Mr. Alhassan added.

Supporting these calls, the Paramount Chief of the Choggu Traditional Area, Naa Mahamadu Alhassan, emphasized the role of traditional authorities in the fight against child labour. He affirmed their ongoing commitment to eradicating the practice within their communities.

“Child labour brings minimal gains. As chiefs, we will continue to fight against it until it is eradicated,” said Naa Mahamadu.

The collective voices at the event underscored the urgent need for a unified and well-resourced approach to end child labour in Ghana, calling on the government to take decisive action to protect the nation’s children.