Don't conceal information on child trafficking

Winneba, July 26, GNA - Hajia Alima Mahama, Minister for Women and Children's Affairs has cautioned Ghanaians against concealing information on perpetrators of child trafficking in the country. She said people with vital information on the perpetrators should inform the Ghana Police Service, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAG), Department of Social Welfare, Teachers and reputable Civil Society Organisations for quick action.

Hajia Mahama gave the caution at the presentation of the prestigious and converted Chairman's Award instituted by management of Barclays Bank Ghana 10 years ago to Mr James Kofi Annan, an employee of the bank and citizen of Effutu-Sankor, at Effutu-Sankor near Winneba. The bank's prestigious Annual Chairman's Award is awarded to individuals and groups operating within the bank for their exceptional and highly appreciable contributions towards the well-being of the needy and deprived communities within areas where such workers operate. About 320 workers of the bank worldwide competed for the award this year.

Mr Annan has for the past five years instituted a scholarship award for about 50 needy children within Effutu-Sankor community. Hajia Mahama appealed to parents, particularly mothers, to volunteer to recall their children sent to work for selfish individuals in the fishing industry in certain fishing communities in the country. She gave the assurance that Government would endeavour to eliminate negative practices that degraded children and women making most of them extremely vulnerable in society. Mr Solomon Kwashie Abbam-Quaye, Awutu-Effutu-Senya District Chief Executive also commended Mr Annan for the honour to the district and assured him of the assembly's assistance to ensure effective and efficient improvement in education in the area. Ms Margaret Mwanakatwe, Managing Director of Barclays Bank Ghana, commended Mr Annan for his "Wonderful humanitarian spirit" that contributed immensely to the successes and achievements for the bank, Ghana and Effutu-Sankor community.

On behalf of the bank, she presented 20 million cedis to Mr Annan while the Senior Staff Association of the bank donated five million cedis towards the noble cause being pursued by Mr Annan.