International Journal of Humanities and Social Science

ISSN 2220-8488 (Print), 2221-0989 (Online) 10.30845/ijhss

Do Not Forget the Children of Sodom and Gomorrah Examining the Convergence of Poverty and Social Exclusion in the Lives of Ghanaian Children Living in a Slum Called Home
Claudia D. Nelson

Abstract
The Constitution of the Republic of Ghana guarantees that “all persons shall have the right to equal educational opportunities and facilities and with a view to achieving the full realisation of that right” and that “basic education shall be free, compulsory and available to all.” However, these rights are not fully accorded the children living in Old Fadama. Also called Sodom and Gomorrah, Old Fadama is the largest slum in Accra, Ghana. This paper raises the issue of the denial of constitutional rights to some of the most vulnerable children living in the capital. As Ghana push forth to meet MDGs 2 and 3, to achieve universal primary education and promote gender equality, it is imperative that no child is left behind. This is an exploratory study. Its goals are to raise consciousness and engender further discourse and research about children living in slums throughout the world.

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