Suhum (E/R), Feb. 11, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor has expressed concern about the growing incident of child trafficking and the scourge of HIV/AIDS on children, saying the situation posed great challenges to the nation's developmental efforts.

He said although government had instituted some policies aimed at addressing the situation, trafficking of persons remained a great concern while the HIV disease continued to afflict persons mostly between 15 and 49 years.

In a speech read for him at the traditional 91Christmas' party for children in the Eastern Region at Suhum on Friday, President Kufuor urged the nation's minors to imbibe the virtues of humility, respect and resourcefulness and take their studies seriously and shun bad companions.

He affirmed government's commitment towards mobilizing adequate human and financial resources to promote the growth and development of children to enable them become meaningful participants in the society and also steer them from harmful ways.

Describing it as a 93divine responsibility", President Kufuor also charged his compatriots, particularly parents and care givers, to "put children first in their decision-making process by giving them the needed assistance."

He said government was not only committed to creating conditions necessary for effective development of children, but has 93more importantly set up the pace for other stakeholders to complement its efforts for the best interest of its children."

He said such a synergy between the private sector, development partners and state institutions was crucial for the successful enhancement of the well-being of children in education, health and sanitation, which were critical in providing them the 93required skills for self-realization and promote a participatory role of children in the development process."

"The rule of law, due process of the law, pluralistic media activities are some of the steps that are being taken to create a befitting environment for the protection and development of children."

President Kufuor described the media role in particular as a "landmark" for sustainable child promotion and participation process in the country.

Mr Michael Kofi Mensah, District Chief Executive for Suhum-Kraboa-Coaltar, traced the important role of good education in moulding responsible adults and appealed to teachers to be mindful of this fact.

He said the district assembly had invested in some projects, including a teachers' housing programme and would soon begin training of teachers to enhance their skills.