Protect the welfare/interest of children - Judge

Nyinahin (Ashanti), June 25, GNA - The welfare and interest of children must be a primary consideration in all matters of life for Ghanaians, Mr Augustine Essah, Nyinahin District Magistrate Court Judge said on Wednesday. Speaking at a day's workshop on child labour at Nyinahin in the Atwima-Mponua District, he also advised Ghanaians to desist from engaging children in hazardous work that affect their health and education. The workshop, which was organised by the District Assembly in collaboration with the District Social Welfare Department, aimed at sensitizing law enforcement agencies on the menace of child labour and devise ways of eliminating it from the District. Participants from the Ghana Police Service, Fire Service, Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Neighbourhood Watch Committees, fire volunteers and opinion leaders in the District attended. Mr Essah said that a juvenile has the right to privacy during an arrest, investigation of an offence and at a trial and urged people to respect the rights of the child. Mr Benjamin Otu, the Ashanti Regional Deputy Social Welfare Officer In-charge of Administration and Justice, noted that all forms of hazardous work and child trafficking should be prevented. Mr Abubakr Mohammed, Atwima-Mponua District Social Welfare Officer, cautioned police officers against unwarranted arrest of children and appealed to the people to report anybody found to be dealing in human trafficking in the District. 25 June 08