Children in the Upper West Region have petitioned African leaders to initiate joint efforts to free the more than 250 girls kidnapped by the Boko Haram Militants in Northern Nigeria

The Children also demanded African governments to do more to protect the safety and well-being of children across Africa, irrespective of their geographical location, economic and social status.

The petition was issued on Monday in Wa to mark the African Union Day of the African Child, which was organised by the Community Development Alliance.

The children appealed to President John Mahama and all African Heads of State, to redouble their efforts through increased and sustained investment in education, and ensure that all children of Africa gain access to basic quality education.

The petition urged the Judiciary to streamline the justice delivery system, to ensure that people who violate the fundamental human rights of children are severely punished, to serve as a deterrent to others.

The children also urged the Police and other security services to ensure that children in schools and homes are adequately protected from all forms of abuse and human rights violations.

The petitioners urged traditional leaders in the Upper West Region, Ghana and the rest of Africa, to take action to ensure that all children in local communities are protected and are given the opportunity to access basic education

They also appealed to the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to do more to ensure that laws, policies and action plans on child protection, are adequate implemented to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children.

The children demanded that the Media, civil society and the larger Ghanaian populace should be more concerned about issues on children, and endeavour to protect the dignity and well-being of the African Child.

The children reminded African Leaders that children of Africa deserve better education, healthcare, nutrition and social protection.

“Our leaders must know if they fail to cater for the children of Mother Africa, we the children will take care of them,” the petitioners warned.