Cape Coast, July 13, GNA - Wesley Girls Junior Secondary School (JSS) in Cape Coast on Tuesday bagged 207 points to emerge winners of a debate, under the topic: "Are children adequately protected by the Ghanaian family."

The A.M.E. Zion mixed JSS, also in Cape Coast, who were their opponents obtained 183 points.

The debate was organised for the two schools by the Central Regional Office of the Ghana National Commission on Children (GNCC), as part of its programme for this year's observance of the African Union (AU) Day of the African Child.

The AU Day of the African Child is celebrated on June 16, each year, in commemoration of the gruesome murder of South African children in the town of Soweto, during the apartheid regime.

It was on the theme: "Protecting the child within the family," which was in line with article 18 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and sponsored by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

Wesley Girls JSS, which argued in favour of the topic, were represented by Ms Patricia Hosu, Ms Anita Davidson and Ms Dorcas Kuyole, while the A.M.E. Zion JSS, which spoke against it were also represented by Ms Bernice Ankomah, Ms Francisca Bilson and Ms Comfort Ofori. An undisclosed cash prize was awarded to the competing schools, whilst assorted textbooks and stationery were also given to each contestant from the two schools.

Earlier in an address, Mr Divine Opare, Regional Co-ordinator of the GNCC said it was unfortunate that many children continued to suffer from parental neglect, abuse, exploitation of labour and trafficking, which constituted a violation of their rights.

He argued that it was the responsibility of every family in Africa and Ghana in particular, to give protection, proper maintenance, support and proper upbringing to children to enable them to become responsible citizens in future.

Reverend (Mrs) Beauty Hope, Assistant Director of Education in-charge of finance and administration, who deputised for Miss Fry Annan, Cape Coast Municipal Director of the Ghana Education Service (GES), as chairperson for the occasion, urged the students to be highly studious, respectful and obedient to both parents and teachers. 13 July 04