Accra Nov. 26, GNA - Various political parties contesting for the Presidential and parliamentary elections were on Friday urged to include children issues in their various political messages and manifestos to guarantee them a good future.

At a press conference organized by national and international organizations that advocate the rights of children, Master Samuel Kissi, of Curious Minds, a nongovernmental organisation (NGO) that seeks the protection of children in the society said "candidates seeking election into the high office of the presidency of this country should let us know their specific intentions for us when they mount the campaign platform.

"With just 11 days to the election, not much has been said about issues relating directly to children and young people although we are always referred to as the future of the nation.

"As children and young people we feel that our issues have not been given the attention needed"." he said.

Master Kissi observed that children were being exploited on a daily basis and said child protection had not been given enough attention on the political agenda of this country.

"We want politicians to make commitments about their vision in these areas and to assure us that what has gone wrong will be corrected." Master Mananu Nasamu of the Street Academy, who spoke on "Child Participation in National Matters," said there was total disregard for the opinion of children in the country.

He, therefore, called for the participation of children in national issues saying: "It will create space for children to serve on national development committees so that their needs are not left out."

Mr Nasamu called for periodic interactions between the leadership of the country and children to enable the children to make inputs into the affairs of the nation. 26 Nov. 04