Founder and President of Royal Ladies Ministries International, Apostle Rita Korankye Ankrah, has urged parents to build close relationships with their children and remain actively involved in their lives, warning that many young people suffer in silence because they lack trusted adults to confide in.

Addressing mothers during the second edition of Convergence of Mothers, the renowned marriage counsellor and motivational speaker stressed that parents must be intentional about creating safe spaces where children can openly discuss their experiences, fears and concerns.

According to her, mothers should strive to know their children better than anyone else around them.

"You should know your child more than the teacher knows your child," she said.
"You should know your child more than the nanny at home. You should know your child more than the driver who takes them to school."

Apostle Mrs Korankye Ankrah explained that when children feel emotionally connected to their parents, they are more likely to report inappropriate behaviour, abuse or troubling experiences before the situation escalates.
"Befriend your children. Teach them to talk," she urged.

The minister expressed concern about cases where children are unable to communicate experiences of abuse because they have not developed the confidence to speak openly with their parents.

To illustrate her point, she recounted the story of a mother she met abroad whose children were allegedly abused by a swimming instructor entrusted with teaching them.

According to her, the incident underscored the importance of parental vigilance and ongoing conversations with children about personal safety and boundaries.
She encouraged parents not to assume that every adult who interacts with their children automatically has their best interests at heart.

Instead, she said mothers and fathers must remain observant, involved and approachable.

Korankye Ankrah further noted that parenting goes beyond providing food, shelter and education.

In her view, one of the greatest responsibilities of a parent is ensuring that children feel heard, understood and protected.

She therefore encouraged mothers to pay attention to behavioural changes, ask questions and make time for regular conversations with their children.

When children trust their parents enough to share difficult experiences, she said, families are better positioned to identify problems early and protect young people from harm.

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