Accra, June 27, GNA- Ms Akua Sena Dansua, Minister of Women and Children's Affairs, on Saturday advised parents and guardians to save towards the education of their wards in order to give them a head start in life.

She was speaking at the launch of the Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB) 'KidiStar Account' product in Accra.

"We need to make little sacrifices for our children today, so that we can facilitate their growth into responsible adults who would look after us when we are old," she said. She expressed dissatisfaction that some people had to struggle through life in order to pursue higher education and suggested the need to reverse the situation through good savings habit and proper planning by parents.

"We can recall the many opportunities we missed when we were growing up because our parents were not able to afford the cost of our education," Ms Sena Dansua said, adding that there was the need to correct the sad trend.

The Minister asked parents, guardians and especially rural folk to subscribe to GCB's new product in order to give their kids a bright start in life.

Mr. Lawrence Adu-Mante, Managing Director of GCB said the KidiStar Account was a savings product that targets children below 18 years, in order to inculcate in them the habit of saving towards their education. He said the product was a form of investment which would enable parents to subscribe towards the education of their children. "GCB shares your feelings and understand your financial commitment, but we believe with good planning and by placing the child's development at the fore, you should be able to build the future of our stars," he said. Mr Adu-Mante said management of the bank was committed towards making banking more convenient for Ghanaians as well as promoting better understanding of banking business among the youth. Mr. Alhaji Hussein Ibn Salifu, Head of Marketing, GCB, said the bank had targeted Kids Clubs in various schools as part of the bank's marketing strategy to encourage the habit of savings among children towards their education. He expressed the hope that the new product would enjoy high patronage. 27 June 09