Saltpond (C/R), Jan 16, GNA - The local Police administration in Saltpond has instituted measures to clamp down on truancy and wayward children in the town.

Speaking to the GNA at Saltpond, the Station Officer in-charge, Inspector Patrick Yeboah, said the Police would collaborate with the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development to stop children below the age of 18 years from engaging in activities such as cart pushing at the markets and lorry stations.

The Police would also pick up school children found loitering especially in the business area and the beaches during school hours. He said it would also step up its operation to stop minors from patronising drinking bars and video centres and from attending wake-keepings and other unproductive social activities late in the night.

Inspector Yeboah noted that some children in the coastal communities and the marketing centres preferred making money at an early stage, instead of going to school, which did not augur well for their future, as well as the nation.

It also defeated the government's determination to reduce the country's illiteracy rate, he said, adding that the exercise was also in support of Vice President Aliu Mahama's campaign to check indiscipline in the society, especially among the youth.

He advised people who engaged the labour of children to desist from the practice since it was illegal.

Inspector Yeboah said the exercise would be extended to Mankessim and other communities especially the coastal ones.

The Acting District Chief Executive, Mr Robert Quainoo-Arthur, commended the Police for the initiative and assured them of the support of the District Assembly.

He appealed to parents and guardians to co-operate with the Police to check truancy and other anti social activities especially among the youth.