Court fines 25 parents for engaging their children in hawking

Agona Swedru, Oct. 20, GNA - The Agona Swedru Magistrate's Court has slapped a total of 240 Ghana cedis fine on 25 out of 27 parents who allowed their under aged children to engage in hawking to the disadvantage of their education and health.

The parents pleaded guilty and will in default go to prison for one month each.

The court presided over by Mr Emmanuel K Sunu issued bench warrant for the arrest Madam Docas Nyarko and Mary Quaino who failed to appear before it.

Prosecuting, Police Inspector Alfred Boatey told the court that during market days at Agona Swedru, under aged children were found selling ice water, chewing gum and other items to the disadvantage of their education and health.

Inspector Boatey said the Swedru District Police Command wrote to the Agona West Municipal Assembly and Swedruman Council of Chiefs to find a solution to the problem.

He said the assembly and the police took a decision to arrest parents of the children after discussion at Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) meeting.

On the October 11, the Swedru District Command arrested 27 underage children selling on a market day.

He told the court that the District Police Command would continue to arrest the children and their parents would be prosecuted until they leave the street and go to the classroom.

The judge, in his sentence, said even though the punishment was a bit harsh he hoped it would serve as a deterrent to other parents and encourage their children to go school.