Sekondi, April 13, - GNA - Madam Sophia Horner-Sam, deputy Western Regional Minister said on Monday that parenting requires special efforts, devotion and the will by all, to properly train children. She said parents could not ignore the needs of their children and expect them to become responsible adults.

Madam Horner-Sam said these at a get-together organised by District Sub-Project Review and Approval Committee of the Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly (SAEMA), for selected street children within the metropolis, currently undergoing skills training.

She urged them to take their education seriously adding, "without a sound and marketable skill, you cannot compete effectively on the labour market".

Madam Horner-Sam reminded them that they could become pregnant or contract sexually transmitted diseases if they engaged in immoral sexual behaviour and cautioned them to avoid such acts.

Mr. Benjamin Otoo, a focal person of the committee said the focus on street children by various institutions is meant to reduce their dependence on the streets for their livelihood.

He urged them to use the skills they would acquire, to improve their living conditions and contribute towards national growth.