Takoradi, April 6, GNA - An estimated 8,000 children from some 46 first and second cycle schools in the Shama-Ahanta East Metropolis participated in a world-wide ballot to select individuals and organisations that have advocated and campaigned for the rights of the child.

The initiative dubbed "Global Voting for the Right of the Child" is the brainchild of Save the Children, Sweden.

The Ghana National Non-Governmental Organisations Coalition on the Right of the Child (GNCRC) organised the programme in collaboration with Takoradi-based Advocates and Trainers for Women's Welfare, Advancement and Rights (ATWWAR).

The candidates for the balloting were Mr Nelson Mandela, former South African President and his wife, Graca Machel, The Mothers of Saint Rita, an Ngo in Kenya and Ana Mari Maranon de Bohorquez of Bolivia. Voting took place at the Bishop Assuah Primary and JSS in Takoradi and The Nest School Complex at Namibia, near Takoradi. Speaking to the press, Miss Ekua Ansah Eshon, National Chairperson of GNCRC said this was the second time the ballot had been held in the country.

She said this year's voting was being held in the Shama-Ahanta East Metropolis and the Nzema East District in order to allow as many children between nine and 16 years to exercise their franchise. Miss Eshon, who is also the Programme Coordinator of ATWWAR, said voting would continue in other schools until Friday April 8, this year. She said the individual or organisation that carry the day would take away prize money of 30,000 Euros donated by the Queen of Sweden and others.

Miss Eshon said the objective of the voting was to increase children's understanding of the rights of the child and democracy.