NGO concerned about plight of children on streets

Earth Vision Organisation (EVON) an environmental Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) has expressed concern about the danger faced by children who hawk various wares along major roads and streets in the cities, particularly from motorists.

A statement signed by its Executive Director, Mr J. B. Quansah, at the weekend cited two incidents, which resulted in the death of a 15-year-old iced water seller and injuries suffered by six other persons.

On Tuesday, July 17, Azaratu Alhassan, a minor hawker, died at Adabraka near the traffic intersection on the Kojo Thompson Road in Accra. Then on Thursday, July 19, a Mercedes Benz car ran into six hawkers in front of the New Times Corporation. They sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

The statement described the situation as unfortunate and could have been avoided if repeated warnings from law enforcing agencies and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly to hawkers to desist from selling along pavements and the streets had been heeded.

EVON said two accidents left a "sore taste in the mouth of all well meaning citizens who fight for the protection of children's rights".

"They are indeed a grim reminder of the danger children, some as young as seven years, run while hawking various wares on our streets, particularly, at traffic lights and on very busy sections of our roads. " the statement said.

It pointed out that poverty is one of the major causes of hawking at unauthorised places, adding: "It is equally untenable that the lives of innocent children should be sacrificed for a few 1000 cedis."

"Certainly, children who are our invaluable assets are not guinea pigs to be toyed with. The nation can not afford to lose them," the statement stressed.

A handbook on children's rights launched by the First Lady, Mrs. Theresa Kufuor, has set the pace for a change of attitude towards children who are made to perform all manner of menial jobs.

The statement called for tougher sanctions against careless and indiscipline motorists as well as parents who flout the rights of children.