Abura Gyabankrom (C/R), Feb 21, GNA - The Mankessim Programme Area of Plan Ghana, a child welfare and development oriented organisation, in collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has intensified education on the rights and responsibilities of the child.

The local Plan office has also formed children's clubs in its sponsored schools to facilitate the study of the rights of the child as stated in the Children's Act 560 of 1998.

The Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese District Secretariat of the NCCE is holding durbars in the communities under the sponsorship of Plan, Ghana, to sensitize the people on their rights.

At a durbar at Abura Gyabankrom, Mr Jacob Turkson, Programme Area Manager of Plan, advised parents not to regard children as non-entities and prevent from expressing their views. Mr Turkson noted that some children do not do well in school and in the society because they were not allowed at the initial stages to come out with their views, a situation which had created inferiority complex in them.

"They grow to become introverts," Mr Turkson noted. He reminded children that they must exercise their rights with responsibilities. "As you have a right to education, it is your responsibility to learn hard and pass your examination." Mr Turkson stressed.

Mr Samuel Kwame Achinah, District Director of NCCE, exhorted mothers to allow their children to know their fathers, since it was against the Act to deny the child the right to know his or her father or mother.

He said the Act enjoined children to grow in the care of their parents and cautioned those who gave out their children to other people at tender age to stop it.

Mr Achinah said it was an offence to use a property inherited to deny education or care of the deceased's child or children. He said the child had the right to select his or her future partner and cautioned against betrothing of the girl-child at tender age. The NCCE Director also reminded the people that it was an offence to engage children in any kind of labour after 2000 hours.