Gomoa Otsew, a community in the Gomoa West District has been adjudged the most child friendly community in the Central Region.

A research conducted by International Needs Ghana, a Christian charitable organisation for past two years, which was validated by the European Union, indicates that Gomoa Otsew put in measures, which minimized abuse and violence against children.

Gomoa Otsew also rapidly responded positively to issues confronting children such as child marriages, truancy, and child labour.

Kweikrom in the Gomoa East district took the second position, whiles Atekyedo in the Efutu Municipality took the third position.

Mr Edmund Vanderpuye, the Executive Director, International Needs, Ghana, explained that the three communities were selected out of 21.

He said research indicated that the three communities were able to initiate byelaws, raised awareness on the rights of children and most importantly mobilised their community members to promote safety and protection of children.

The Award programme formed part of the International Needs project to promote “Enhanced Safe and Protective Environment for Children Project”.

The main objective of the project is to promote and enhance safe and protective environment for children and reduce exploitation or abuse.

The award ceremony was on the theme: “Accelerating our Collective Efforts to Create Safe Environment for Children”.

Mr Vanderpuye said the initiative seeks to encourage other communities to ensure that children lived in safe environment.

He commended stakeholders, traditional leaders and communities who participated in the project.

He said as part of the project, each of the 21 implementing communities formed a Community Child Protection Committee, which sought to educate their communities on the need to protect children.

Mr Joseph Allan, the Programmes Officer, European Union, said the celebration also formed part of the activities marking the African Child’s Day.

He said International Needs Ghana, was given EUROS152,315.00, under the call for proposals launched in 2013.

Three Ghanaian NGOS were awarded a total of EUROS 500,040.00, in support of initiatives and actions, aimed at promoting and enhancing the rights and wellbeing of the child against abuse, exploitation, and exposure to harm.