Accra, Nov. 27, GNA - Children of Ghana on Thursday pleaded with the leaders in the country to maintain the peace being enjoyed because wars and conflicts hinder development. They said Ghanaians must learn from the ravages of war that have affected the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Rwanda so that children would not be victims of rape, be homeless, fatherless and motherless.

Speaking at the National Children for Peace Concert, Mr Ebenezer Adjei Osekre, Municipal Chief Executive for the Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly, said peace was a priceless asset of any society hence people should try and reconcile their differences. Mr Osekre said Ghana had come to accept constitutional rule underpinned by democracy and the people should therefore hold on to it. "Our children cherish peace and tranquillity therefore the adult population should be tolerant and understanding to each other to create an enabling environment for their social protection and sound development as enshrined in the Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560)," he said.

The programme was organised by Amazing Kids World International (AKWI), a Non-Government Organisation that is interested in children's welfare and upbringing.

Mr Michael Caverson, Chief Executive Officer of AKWI, said the programme was to create an awareness of peace to the leaders through children as they would echo the message to their parents because it is children and women who suffer most in war. About 68 schools took take part in the peace concert including Nautical Goodwill Preparatory, State School for the Deaf, Future Graduate Institute, Amazing Grace International School and Prince of Peace International School.

Various opinion leaders, teachers and parents signed the National Children for Peace Accord document. Some of the children presented peace messages in English and various local languages. They entertained the audience with songs and poetry recitals on peace from Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia and Cameroon. 27 Nov. 08