Takoradi, July 9, GNA - Mr John Hackman, Western Regional Director of the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs, at the weekend said the right of the child is not at variance with the discipline of the youth and children.

He said this in an address read for him at an awards ceremony organized by Innovative Channels, a publishing company in Takoradi. At the event, 90 pupils from 70 Primary and Junior High Schools in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis who won quiz competitions in magazines published by the company were presented with prizes and certificates.

Mr Hackman said the rights of the child have not taken away any parental duty to provide good guidance to their children. He said the rights of the child are about the provision of the needs, protection and guidance from parents or caregivers for the wholesome development of children.

Children, Mr Hackman said, have challenging times due to globalization and information technology.

It is, therefore, incumbent on parents or adults to ensure that children are insulated from foreign cultures and immoral influences, he said.

Mr Hackman said, 93the rights of the child do not offer children the right to misbehave or rebel against just principles".

He said children need to understand that rights go together with duties and responsibilities.

Mr Hackman said, 93As children you are expected to play your part in the holistic development of your personality, you must therefore study hard, be obedient, respectful and avoid bad friends".

Mr Johnson Afuagu Azuve, Regional Manager of the Company, said about 20,000 children participated in the quiz competitions. He said 60 pupils from 42 schools in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality have also been presented with awards.

Mr Azuve said the competition is to motivate children to cultivate the reading habit.