Akropong-Akuapem (E/R), June 28, GNA - The Children's Ministry of Akuapem Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, has celebrated it 25th anniversary with a call on parents to consider the education and welfare of their children as paramount.

Reverend Dr. Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante, Chairperson for the Akuapem Presbytery, made the call at a church service to climax the celebration at the Grace Congregation at Akropong-Akuapem on Sunday. He expressed concern about the high rate of street children in the country partly due to parental neglect, which has resulted in teenage pregnancy, armed robbers, drug abuse and other vices. Rev. Dr. Mante said the recent reports of homosexuality and lesbianism in Ghana, including educational institutions, should be a matter of concern to every meaningful Ghanaian.

He appealed to parents to teach their children the word of God to prevent them from engaging in irreligious practice and to be empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The Presbytery Co-ordinator for the Children Ministry, Rev. Ernestina Ayebea, said the Ministry lacked dedicated teachers. He paid tribute to past and present Presbytery executives for their contribution to the development of children. Some past children workers were presented with awards.