Some Ghanaians have called for strict regulation, training, and monitoring of domestic caregivers in Ghana to address the growing cases of abuse, neglect, and violence against children under their care. The discussion, moderated by Emmanuella Figah, featured Khayrullah Issah Dobo, a media practitioner, and Ezekiel Aniagyei and Mr. Philip Wiafe, both communication students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
The conversation centered on recent reports of nannies maltreating children left in their care. Khayrullah described the situation as “sad but not new,” lamenting that despite Ghana’s development, there are still no proper systems to regulate domestic caregivers.
“It’s not uncommon. I’ve seen people go through similar abuse, even at the hands of their own parents.
It’s sad that after over 60 years as a nation, we still have no regulations for these things,” he said. Ezekiel on the other hand, sharing a personal experience, recounted a period when a nanny mistreated him and his siblings while their mother was away.
He noted that many of these cases persist because most parents fail to carry out proper background checks or rely on unqualified persons. “Some people hire caregivers simply because they need help, not because they’ve verified their background.
If you treat a nanny badly, don’t expect them to treat your child well,” he cautioned. Adding to the discussion, Mr. Philip explained that Ghana’s heavy dependence on nannies stems from the country’s evolving work culture and expanding middle class.
“Parents now leave home as early as 6 a.m. and return late. So, the reliance on nannies has become inevitable.
But we must start building institutions that train and certify caregivers, teaching them first aid, safety, and basic child care,” he suggested. Khayru further argued that parents’ bias or convenience often blinds them to warning signs of abusive behavior, emphasizing the need for social welfare systems that provide trusted, trained caregivers.
“You can’t always tell a person’s true character until they’re already in your home. That’s why state-backed institutions must train and monitor them,” he noted.
On the issue of installing surveillance cameras, Ezekiel strongly supported it, saying it was “a big yes” for parents to install CCTV cameras in their homes. “It’s not an invasion of privacy if it’s in your own house.
You consented to that the moment you took the job,” he argued, stressing that video evidence could prevent false accusations and ensure accountability. Mr. Philip, who once worked as a houseboy, emphasized trust and relationship-building as key to preventing abuse.
“When you treat a nanny well and make them feel part of the family, they tend to care for your children better. But if you mistreat them, you create resentment and that can be dangerous,” he said.
In conclusion, the panelists urged social welfare institutions and community leaders to take a more active role in monitoring domestic workers and enforcing laws to protect children. “Ghanaians are too forgiving.
When cases occur, religious or community leaders often plead for offenders. We must move past that and enforce the laws,” Khayrru remarked.
The discussion shed light on the urgent need for policy intervention, professional training, and societal awareness to ensure that Ghanaian children receive safe, ethical, and quality care at home.