A recent report by a non-profit organization, Missing Ghana, collaborating with the Ghana Police Service and Department of Social Welfare, reveals that 610 individuals, predominantly children, have been reported missing in Ghana since 2021.Former Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Nana Oye Bampoe-Addo, highlighted significant deficiencies in Ghana's child protection efforts.

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Speaking on TV3's Newday, she expressed concern over the absence of a dedicated unit within security agencies for missing children, leading to inadequate data on these critical issues."Regarding security, it seems that our security agencies do not have a unit specifically focused on missing children or child protection. Additionally, we lack a strategic framework to address this issue effectively," said the former minister.

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"I am uncertain if such a unit exists; we know about the trafficking unit, but even they lack sufficient data. Organizations like Missing Ghana provide vital data that is missing from our local agencies. For example, between 2021 and 2023, 610 people went missing, with the majority being children.

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"Security Analyst Richard Kumadoe, also on TV3's Newday, expressed concern about the disjointed efforts in addressing missing children, labeling it a growing public safety issue."The community helps the police address some of these issues. There has been a disjointed effort to find solutions to why children go missing, resulting in increasing numbers. This situation undoubtedly raises public safety concerns.

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"Given these troubling statistics, security experts advise the public to take proactive measures. They recommend educating children on personal information and emergency contacts, establishing safe zones and protocols, utilizing technology such as GPS trackers and safety apps, and maintaining vigilance in public spaces as crucial precautions.

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