Families have been urged to support and guide its members, especially, children with the use of new technologies in order to protect them from its associate dangers such as trafficking and kidnapping.
Although new technologies have had a positive impact on members of families, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Mrs Lariba Zuweira in a speech read on her behalf by her Deputy, Mrs Francisca Oteng-Mensah noted that families remained vulnerable to its dangers.
The Minister said this at a town hall meeting organised by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) in Accra yesterday as part of activities to commemorate the celebration of this year’s International Day of the Family
The Day, instituted by the United Nations (UN) is used to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.
This year’s celebration is under the theme “Families and New Technologies”.
“Technology has become an integral part of our everyday life as individuals and families. From our smartphones to our computers, and even our home appliances, all have been built to fit our busy daily schedule and to function effectively”, Mrs Zuweira explained.
“As we mark this year’s International Day of the Family, I wish to admonish you to take good care of your children, support your family members, and guide your children with the use of technologies to guide them against trafficking, kidnapping, and other dangers associated with the use of technologies, especially, phones, television, and social media”, Mrs Zuweira added.
Understanding the pros and cons of technology and its role in families, Mrs Zuweira noted would help reduce family problems and allow every member to become aware of it.
According to her, key initiatives such as the issuance of the digital national identification card and the Ghana Post GPS digital address the system showed government’s commitment to drive new technologies.
The Director of the Department of Social Welfare (DSW) under the MoGCSP, Rev Dr Comfort Asare in her remark urged families to embrace existing and emerging technologies to enhance family life.
Rev Dr Asare further underscored the role of the family in the Ghanaian cultural setting which she said could be likened to a household broom, individually fragile, but collectively unbreakable.
In addition, she entreated families to utilise the regional offices of the DSW in resolving issues.
Rev Dr Asare said the Day would also be used to promote responsible parenting, advocate for children’s rights and protection, and foster family cohesion.
There were also brief remarks from representatives of development partners such as the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and UNICEF,and the Teshie Traditional Council, as well as drama and poetry recitals by children of the Teshie Neighborhood Centre
The MoGCSP after the town hall meeting embarked on a community sensitisation walk within the Teshie community and its environs to create awareness on families and new technologies, and other related issues.
BY BENJAMIN ARCTON-TETTEY
