Most people who abuse children do so as a result of having issues in their marriages, going through financial challenges, & being alcoholics – George Akom
George Akom, a respected Ghanaian educationist and social commentator, has expressed grave concern about the increasing incidents of child abuse in Ghanaian society.
Speaking on Kessben FM with KOD, he asserted that many of these abuses stem not from hatred toward children, but from deeper personal and societal problems faced by the perpetrators.
According to Akom, a significant number of people who physically, emotionally, or psychologically abuse children are themselves dealing with unresolved issues such as marital conflict, financial instability, and alcoholism. He emphasized that these personal struggles often manifest as aggression or neglect towards children in their care, turning them into unintended victims.
He called for a more holistic approach to tackling child abuse, noting that punitive measures alone cannot resolve the root causes. Instead, Akom urged government agencies, civil society, and religious bodies to focus more on early intervention strategies, mental health support, and strengthening family systems.
Akom also criticized the normalization of corporal punishment in homes, schools, and religious settings, noting that such practices can easily cross the line into abuse, especially when an adult is already under emotional distress.
George Akom appealed to parents, guardians, and community members to seek help when facing personal challenges rather than projecting their frustrations onto children. He also encouraged the public to be vigilant and report cases of abuse, stressing that protecting children must remain a national priority.
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