Accra, Sept. 1, GNA - Madam Marta Santos Pais, UN Special Representative of the Secretary General on Violence against Children, has urged government to put in place laws to abolish corporal punishment in schools.

"If Ghana would put in place the needed laws aimed at abolishing this practice, it would encourage other African countries to also follow suit," she said.

Speaking during a courtesy call on Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo, the Minister of Education she praised Ghana for championing the cause of children in the country.

She said abolishing of corporal punishment and all other violence against children would go a long way to shape the total development of children in the country.

Mad Pais expressed concern about the level of violence children in rural areas suffer and urged the government to tackle the issue.

Mr Tettey-Enyo expressed the government's desire to ensure that children in schools were nurtured to grow up to have a sense of duty without inhibitions.

He pledged the government's support towards the eradication of all forms of violence against children including corporal punishment in schools.

Mr Tettey-Enyo praised UNICEF for its assistance towards tackling issues pertaining to children in the country and urged all stakeholders to come on board.