Agona Swedru, Aug 31, GNA - Hajia Alima Mahama, Minister of Women and Children Affairs has stated that the human trafficking bill passed by Parliament would stop parents from giving away their children for exploitative labour in fishing communities. She said some children were trafficked to other places and deprived from schooling or having education and said parents found culpable under the law would be dealt with.

In a speech read on her behalf at a women's forum as part of the activities marking the week-long celebration of Annual Akwambo Festival of the Chiefs and the people of Agona Swedru, she said the Ministry in conjunction with other stakeholders would be carrying out a sensitisation programme on the Human Trafficking Bill recently passed by parliament on the need for parents to take good care of their children. Hajia Mahama noted that the implementation of the Early Childhood Care Development Policy by the Ministry in collaboration with other sectors in a holistic manner would go a long way to ensure the protection of the child's right to develop their emotional, social and physical potential to provide a strong foundation for Ghana's human resource development.

She stressed that the implementation of the Ministry's gender and children policy would also ensure women's access and control over their productive resources such as credit, information, technology and land to promote their welfare.

Hajia Mahama stated that the Ministry was committed to empowering women in all spheres of life, adding that, a strategic plan had been developed in line with the government's priority objective to address the concerns of women.

She urged women not take advantage of the Akwambo Festival to indulge in risky behaviour like excessive drinking, smoking and unprotected sex to avoid infections such as HIV/AIDS.

Hajia Mahama said the Ministry would collaborate with the Ministries of Private Sector Development and President's Special Initiatives, Trade and Industry and Finance and Economic Planning to improve their businesses.

Mr Ben Mensah, District Chief Executive, said the District Assembly had established a Women's Desk where issues concerning women would be addressed to enhance their welfare.

He gave the assurance that the Assembly would continue to play its expected role to support women and children.

Mrs Efuah Kwartemaah, Leader of the Swedru Women Groups, called on parents especially men to take proper care of their children and urged them not to shirk their responsibilities. 31 Aug 05