Parents advised to respect rights of children

GNA Dec - 27 - 2014 , 15:20

Parents, chiefs and other stakeholders in youth development have been urged not to abuse the rights of children since it impacts negatively on their development.

Mr Emmanuel S. Martey, Effutu Municipal Director of the National Youth Authority said this at the 8th Youth Right and Health Advocacy Assembly at Essuekyir, a suburb of Winneba.

It was organised by the National Youth Authority and sponsored by Plan Ghana, a child centred NGO operating in the area.

It was on the theme: “Socio-economic challenges of the youth, the way forward.”

The programme was performed by 35 youth from some basic schools in the municipality and Gomoa East District.

They discussed issues on forms of child abuses, drug and substance abuse, adolescent sexual reproductive health, gender discrimination in their communities and how to address them.

Mr Martey said the different abuses that some youth go through from childhood most often affect their social and economic empowerment, making then liabilities and vulnerable to social vices.

“If you deny your child basic need of life such as food clothing, shelter, healthcare security or protection and quality education, it can affect his or her development,” he said.

Mr Martey said allowing the youth to express themselves on matters affecting their well-bring enhances their good development.

A Deputy Director of Education at the Municipal Education Directorate, Mr Sally Nelly Coleman urged parents not to force their girl child into early marriage to the disadvantage of their education.