Koforidua, June 29, GNA - Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Eastern Regional Minister, has urged parents and teachers to inculcate reading habits in children to help broaden their knowledge.

He made the call at the celebration of this year's International Children's Book Day at Koforidua.

It is a project of the International Board in Books for Young People celebrated annually to commemorate the birth of Hans Christian Andersen, a prolific writer of children's books. Activities for the celebration which began on June 23, included quiz, essay writing, spelling B, poetry recitals and drama competitions. Mr Ofosu-Ampofo urged children to respect their parents and elderly in society, be disciplined, obedient and avoid such immoral acts such as drugs, sex and occultism.

Nii Amaa Fleischer-Brock, Eastern Regional Manager of Vodafone, advised children to make judicious use of their time and make the library their 'second home'.

He presented GHC1,000 cash and some products of the company worth GHC200 towards the celebration.

Mr Guy Amarteifio, Eastern Regional Librarian, said the celebration was to address the perennial problem of reading among children in the country and showcase the importance of public libraries in national development.

Mrs Christiana Agyare-Boateng, New Juaben Municipal Director of Education, reminded children that with the current technological developments, reading constituted a major medium for the acquisition of knowledge.

She urged parents to take keen interest in the education of their girls.