Accra, Oct. 3, GNA - The MP-elect for Odododiodoo, Mr Jonathan Tackie-Komme has called on parents in the Ga Mashie and the other cities to endeavour to put premium on the education of their children to reduce the number of children loitering the cities.

He expressed concern about the increasing number of children on and off the streets, fending for themselves and said it is about time concerted efforts were undertaken to cater for the children's needs to make them useful citizens in the society.

Mr Tackie-Komme said this, when he joined the teachers and children of the Street Academy in Accra on Monday at a get-together to celebrate their "Our First Day in School" at which 72 children have been admitted into the beginners, intermediate and advanced classes of the school. The MP-elect said it is regrettable that there were a lot of children still roaming the streets of Ga Mashie, not attending school with no concrete measures being put in place to reduce the trend, as their numbers keep increasing daily.

He said the situation should therefore be of concern to all parents, family members, governmental institutions and corporate bodies to ensure that, such children were re-integrated into the society and to discourage others from loitering on the streets to fend for themselves. Mr Tackie-Komme commended the Director and staff of the Street Academy for initiating such a laudable idea of offering the children some form of education and entertainment that would ensure they utilise their time fruitfully.

He also commended the International Child Solidarity of Denmark, for their continued support to the Academy and promised to seek for assistance to renovate the temporary structures of the school to make it conducive for teaching and learning and safe for the children. Mr Ataa Lartey, Director of the Academy said 42 children have so far been assisted to gain admission into the formal public school system, after going through informal studies and sporting activities at the school.

He said the get-together is an occasion to welcome the pupils, age between six and 18 years into the school and also to make them feel at home and not ostracised by society.

Mr Lartey commended Free and Fair Social Club for sponsoring the get- together for the children and called for further support from individuals and other corporate bodies to give some hope to the children of living decent lives in society.