Yamoransa (C/R), Aug 20, GNA - District, municipal and metropolitan assemblies have been urged to produce copies of the Children's Act for their members, religious bodies and organised groups for study and dissemination to the public.

Mr Divine Opare, Central Regional Co-ordinator of Ghana National Commission on Children (GNCC), who made the suggestion, said the study of the Act would guide parents in the upbringing of their children. He was addressing a sensitisation rally organised by the Regional office of the GNCC at Yamoransa.

He said children's rights were often infringed upon because of the ignorance of the Act and "that will no longer be accepted as an excuse". Miss Ekua Amuah Sekyi, Central Regional Social Welfare Officer, expressed concern about the high rate of child neglect in the region and appealed to parents to live up to their responsibilities.

Mr Paul Djan, the Regional Population Officer, cautioned the youth against leading promiscuous lifestyles to avoid contracting HIV/AIDS that was spreading fast in the region.

Okese Essandoh VIII Omanhene of Nkusukum Traditional Area, who chaired the function, expressed his discontent about the lukewarm attitude of parents and guardians towards programmes initiated for children and urged them to take interest in their children's welfare.