CRI vs AG: SC dismisses child streetism case

The Supreme Court has rejected a lawsuit brought by advocacy group, Child Rights International, against the Attorney-General regarding child streetism. The plaintiff, Bright Appiah, sought a declaration that the government was breaching certain articles of the 1992 Constitution by not adequately protecting children from physical and moral dangers.

However, the seven-member panel of Justices led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo dismissed the action on February 28, stating that the plaintiff had failed to properly invoke the court’s jurisdiction.

The Executive Director of Child Rights International, Bright Appiah, had filed the lawsuit on March 3, highlighting the national security threat posed by child streetism and requesting the court to compel the Attorney-General to address the issue.

Among the reliefs sought by Child Rights International were orders for the government to define penalties for those who do not protect children in street situations, for child exploiters, and for the provision of free healthcare services to disadvantaged children.

Overall, the Supreme Court’s decision was based on procedural issues and it acknowledged the seriousness of the plaintiff’s grievances.