Describing this as a significant shift, UNICEF Ghana said it presented an unparalleled opportunity, demanded renewed commitment and joint accountability from all partners and global leaders to invest in the continent's youngest generation.

This was contained in a statement issued in Accra by UNICEF Ghana to mark this year's Day of the African Child, which was observed on June 16.

The Day of the African Child was instituted in 1991 by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organisation of African Unity (0AU), now AU, in memory of the June 16, 1976 student uprising in Soweto, South Africa.

At that time, students marched protesting the poor quality of education they received and demanded to be taught in their languages.

During the protest, hundreds of schoolchildren were killed. The Day of the African Child is celebrated to commemorate these children and the brave action they took to defend their rights.

The day, according to the AU, is also to celebrate children of Africa as well as inspire a sober reflection and action towards addressing the challenges that children in Africa face on a daily basis.

"This day remains a powerful reminder of the ongoing imperative to champion the rights and welfare of all African children, as enshrined in the 48 articles of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child," the statement said.

The statement added that in Ghana, the demographic trend held particular significance, pointing out that children currently make up approximately 45 per cent of the country's population.

This, it explained, highlighted the vital local relevance of the day's objectives and the critical importance of working collaboratively to secure Ghana's future.

It said investing in Ghana's children, alongside those across Africa, was paramount for the nation's development and, by extension, the future of the world.

It said Africa's future was global and immediate, therefore, bold action from all was imperative.

The UNICEF Country Representative in Ghana, Osama Makkawi Khogali, said the world was faced with an urgent need to invest in foundational learning, health, nutrition, protection, digital inclusion and job-readiness.

“The Day of the African Child serves as a powerful reminder for all partners – governments, communities and individuals – to renew their commitment and collective accountability in ensuring every African child, especially children here in Ghana, has access to quality education, health care, protection, dignity, opportunity and a safe environment," he emphasised.