World Vision Ghana's Emmanuella Shines Light on Child Hunger at G20 Summit
By Vivian Adu, Communications Officer
Emmanuella, a young advocate for World Vision Ghana, made an impassioned call for global action against child hunger and malnutrition during the G20 Social Summit held in November 2024.
The summit, hosted under Brazil’s G20 presidency in Rio de Janeiro, convened world leaders to discuss pressing global issues under the theme: “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet”.
Discussions focused on three priorities: social inclusion and the fight against child hunger and poverty, reform of global governance institutions, and sustainable development through energy transition.
Emmanuella, a former registered child and a member of the Amazing Kids Club in the Kwaekese Community, also served as the Speaker of Parliament for the Afram Plains chapter of the Child Parliament in Ghana. She was the first female speaker when it was inaugurated in 2018.
Hailing from Afram Plains in the Eastern Region of Ghana, an area grappling with underdevelopment and high rates of child hunger and malnutrition, Emmanuella drew on her personal experiences as she shared a heartfelt story that resonated with leaders and advocates around the world.
Inspired by Personal Struggles
Speaking at a roundtable discussion on social inclusion and hunger eradication, Emmanuella revealed that her advocacy journey was sparked by her younger brother’s battle with malnutrition during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.
“My baby brother was born in 2021 when coronavirus was at its peak, and things were extremely difficult for many families in Ghana and across the world. He was always sick, and every hospital visit revealed he was malnourished. Despite the dietary plans given to us, sleepless nights and hospital visits became routine. Sadly, many children in my community did not survive malnutrition,” Emmanuella recounted.
Her emotional testimony highlighted the stark reality faced by vulnerable communities and called for immediate and sustained global efforts to combat hunger.
A Call to Action
Emmanuella urged global leaders to prioritise ending hunger and malnutrition, emphasising its devastating impact on children, especially girls.
“I am a child and youth advocate from Ghana. It is a privilege to be here to voice our needs and challenges. I urge world leaders and policymakers to do everything in their power to end hunger and malnutrition among children, especially girls. Children are the present and future of the world, and they deserve life in all its fullness with food being a basic necessity,” she stated.
World Vision’s Commitment to Ending Child Hunger and Malnutrition
In line with global efforts, World Vision Ghana has launched a three-year campaign, ENOUGH: Ending Child Hunger and Malnutrition. Running from FY24 to FY26, the campaign aims to tackle hunger through a multi-sectoral approach, using key programmes such as Healthy Environment & Wellness (HEAL) and Livelihood Enhancement & Family Empowerment (LIFE).
In addition, initiatives such as Reading Improvement & Skills Enhancement (RISE) and Community Engagement and Sponsorship Programmes (CESP) will be instrumental. Cross-cutting sectors such as Humanitarian & Emergency Affairs, Faith & Development, and Child Protection & Advocacy will further support the campaign's goals.
Global Momentum for a Just World
As the summit drew to a close, Emmanuella’s plea served as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for collective action. Her story underscored the critical role of young voices in shaping policies that build a more just and sustainable world, free from hunger and malnutrition.
World Vision Ghana remains steadfast in its mission and calls on stakeholders at all levels to work together to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry.
