Regional News of Tuesday, 6 June 2006

Source: GNA

Assembly initiates measures to curb child abuse

Akweley-Nkwanta (C/R), June 6, GNA - The Awutu-Effutu-Senya District Anti-Child Trafficking and Child Abuse Committee is to launch a programme to apprehend parents and guardians who engage their children in commercial activities during market days on Tuesday, June 13 this year.

Mr. Richmond Mensah, District Director for the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAG), disclosed this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Akweley-Nkwanta, near Awutu-Ofaankor.

Speaking after a durbar organized by leaders of SAHOPS, a Non-Government Organization, to educate parents and school children on child abuse, he cautioned those who indulged in inhuman practices to stop or face prosecution. Mr. Mensah said the programme had become necessary in view of the failure of some parents and guardians to respect the rights of the child in the area.

The Reverend Margaret Asem, National President of SAHOPS, expressed the preparedness of the Organisation to support the District Assembly to curb child abuse and appealed to Chiefs and landowners to release land for schools and hospitals to promote the well being of the people especially children.