Everyone we work with has the right to be safe.

Everyone who comes into contact with Samaa Charity Projects has the right to be safe, respected and free from harm, abuse and exploitation. The welfare of children and vulnerable adults comes first, ahead of reputation, relationships or fundraising.

We have zero tolerance for abuse. Anyone working with us who sees, hears or suspects harm has a duty to act. Staying silent is not neutral.

This policy applies to everyone who acts for Samaa, in person or online:

• board members, staff and initiative leads;
• volunteers, including event and Susu Box volunteers;
• partners, sponsors, contractors and guests at our events.

A child is anyone under 18, as defined by the Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560) and the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. A vulnerable adult is anyone 18 or over who, for any reason, may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.

• Welfare first. A child's physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing comes before anything else.
• Listen and believe. Anyone who raises a concern will be taken seriously and treated with respect.
• Dignity, always. We never use images or stories that shame, pity or expose the people we support.
• Act in partnership. We work with families, communities, the Department of Social Welfare and other relevant authorities.
• Confidentiality, not secrecy. Concerns are shared only with those who need to know, but we will never promise to keep a disclosure of harm secret.

Everyone covered by this policy agrees to:

• treat every child and adult with respect, regardless of age, sex, disability, health, religion or background;
• never be alone with a child out of sight of other adults, and plan activities so that this is not needed;
• never contact a child privately by phone, message or social media;
• never photograph or film a child without the written consent of a parent or guardian;
• never offer money, gifts or favours in exchange for anything, and never exploit the trust that comes with our work;
• never use alcohol or drugs while responsible for children or vulnerable adults;
• report any concern straight away, even if it involves a colleague, a partner or a donor.

Before anyone works directly with children or vulnerable adults on our behalf, we confirm their identity, take at least two references, and request a police background check where one is available. Everyone signs this code of conduct and receives a safeguarding briefing before they start. Partners who work with children must show that they have a safeguarding policy of their own.

• We only share a person's image or story with their informed consent, and a parent's or guardian's for a child.
• We never publish a child's full name, school or location alongside their image.
• We never identify a child or adult as living with sickle cell disease or any other health condition without explicit consent.
• Photographs on this website are illustrations unless we clearly say otherwise.

At events such as Red for a Reason, children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout. Volunteers working with young players are briefed beforehand, wear identification, and work in pairs. Photography by the event team follows the rules above, and guests are asked not to share images of other people's children.

For any other concern about the safety or wellbeing of a child or vulnerable adult connected to our work, or about the behaviour of anyone acting for Samaa, tell us as soon as you can:

• use the contact form and choose “A safeguarding concern”. It goes straight to our safeguarding lead;
• or speak to any Samaa board member or event lead in person.

Please do not investigate yourself. Write down what you saw or were told, in the person's own words where possible, with the date and time. You do not need to be certain. It is always right to report a concern.

We will acknowledge every concern within two working days, and refer it to the Department of Social Welfare, the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, or another authority where required. Anyone who raises a concern in good faith will be supported and protected.

The board holds overall responsibility for safeguarding and appoints a designated safeguarding lead who receives and manages concerns. The policy is reviewed by the board every year, after any serious incident, and whenever the law or our work changes.