This research by Ismaila Awudu investigates the persistent rise in the number of street children in Ghana, despite the introduction of social intervention programs such as the Child and Family Welfare Policy (CFWP) implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MOGCSP). Using a qualitative research approach, the study explores how key stakeholders—policy implementers, social workers, and government officials—perceive the effectiveness of these policies in addressing the phenomenon.

Findings reveal that although CFWP and related initiatives were designed to protect and support vulnerable children, their implementation faces major obstacles including inadequate resources, poor inter-agency coordination, ineffective monitoring and evaluation, and lack of data on street children demographics. The study underscores that poverty, rural-urban migration, and weak family structures are the main drivers of streetism in Ghana.

Awudu concludes that a collaborative, well-funded, and accountable policy framework is critical for curbing the influx of street children and achieving Ghana’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to poverty reduction and child welfare. The research contributes to the child protection and social policy literature, providing insights for policymakers, researchers, and social welfare institutions working toward sustainable social change in Ghana.