AMPCAN is a national non-governmental organization that focuses on promoting the rights of children and their protection from all forms of abuse, neglect and exploitation. The organization was registered in February 2008 in Ghana as the local affiliate of the African Network for the Prevention and Protection Against Child Abuse and Neglect (ANPPCAN), a Pan African organization network of national chapters and organizations that work towards promoting greater understanding and respect for the rights of Africa’s children. The regional body was founded in 1986 and has its headquarters in Nairobi Kenya. 

As a regional organization, ANPPCAN works closely with African governments, NGOs, regional bodies, etc.  ANPPCAN was the brain child behind the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child that was adopted by the then O.A.U. (now AU) in 1990.  In 2006, ANPPCAN was given the first African Union Champion of Children’s Rights Award in recognition of its pioneering contribution to the advancement of children’s rights on the African continent.  

AMPCAN draws on a rich pool of technical support and expertise from the ANPPCAN Head office and other African Chapters as well as foreign and local volunteers to support a dynamic and growing team of local professionals that are spearheading initiatives in child protection in Ghana. 

ANPPCAN’s work on children is currently spread in 22 countries in Africa. The Chapters respond to the specific needs of children in their countries by developing appropriate program interventions. The Head Office, on its part, implements national and regional interventions on children that include direct program intervention, advocacy on specific issues, and networking and partnership building of the chapters and stakeholders.