They said inhuman acts like kidnapping, defilement, trafficking and prostitution still persists in many communities.

They said "the increasing drop-out rate especially among females, denial of women and young girls of adequate security and protection at work places, outmoded traditions and harmful cultural practices are some of the causes of falling standards of education in the country".

This was contained in a petition presented by pupils in the Gushegu Municipality to the authorities of the Assembly for onward presentation to President Nana Akufo-Addo as part of activities to mark 30 years of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Pupils drawn from six Junior High Schools (JHS) in the Municipality including Zanteli JHS, Yawungu JHS and Nawuhugu JHS embarked on a march through the principal streets of the Gushegu Township before presenting the petition to authorities of the Municipal Assembly.

The event was organised by Pan – African Organisation for Research and Protection of Violence on Women and Children (PAORP-VWC), a non-governmental organisation.   

The petition said though various efforts have been made in the areas of Universal Declaration on Human Rights and African Charter on People's Rights amongst others, "many children still live in fear and face many human rights violations".

It called on government to ensure a sustainable and peaceful environment as well as provide adequate security and protection for all children to realise their dreams.

It commended President Nana Akufo-Addo for deepening good governance and the successful implementation of the Free Senior High School programme to improve access to education for all.

Mr Moli Abdulai Abukari, an Official of the Gushegu Municipal Assembly, who received the petition on behalf of the Gushegu Municipal Chief Executive, said it would be forwarded to the appropriate quarters.