Mr Kwadjo Boahen Darkwa, Assin-Fosu District Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), has urged child rights organisations to whip-up sensitisation on the promotion and protection of the rights of children.

This, he noted, would help reduce child labour and other abuses against children in the area.

He expressed worry about the rising incidents of child neglect and the behaviour of some caregivers that resulted in the deprivation of children's access to basic needs such as health care, clothing, housing and education.
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The Assin-Fosu District Director of the Commission made the appeal in an interview with the Ghana News Agency over the weekend.

School children on countless occasions, he said, were seen loitering about on the streets due to lack of parental care and love for their children.

The number of such reported cases, he indicated, was rising and urged all parents to rise up to the task of ensuring proper care of their children.

"The growing reported maintenance cases, abuses and neglect are increasing and parents who are primary caregivers have to be responsive to the needs of their children," he advised.

"Many parents are busy during market days and therefore, do not have time to prepare their children for school and they sometimes go to school on empty stomachs and return home if they feel hungry," he said.

Mr Darkwa said the total wellbeing of children meant they should be physically, mentally and emotionally free from abuse.

Children should also be protected from discrimination against race, gender, religion, disability or ethnicity.

However, Mr Darkwa, said the Commission together with its partners have intensified public education on the right of children particularly to food, shelter, education and health.

Despite the challenges, he said, the Commission had made some major achievements over the years with the support of its major partners, and would continue to work to ensure that the rights of children were protected in their operational areas.

He appealed to all stakeholders to support the cause to ensure that children in the area, grew into healthy, emotionally sound and responsible adults to support nation building.