Child porters enrolled in schools

Techiman (B/A), June 10, GNA - Children working under worst forms of child labour, particularly as head porters at the Techiman Central Market, have been withdrawn and enrolled in schools and vocational centres.

Mr. Davis Boamah-Asumadu, Project Coordinator of Bureau of Rural and Urban Mobilization for Development (BRUM), an NGO, announced this at a presentation of school uniforms, foot wear, exercise books, pens, pencils and school bags valued at GH¢2,900 to selected school children in 12 communities in Techiman Municipality.

Similar presentation would be made to communities such as, Tuobodom, Offuman, Abanim, Ahenbronoso, Dwomor and Tunsuase where child labour is rife.

The Project Co-ordinator said the project was being supported by the International Labour Organisation in conjunction with Techiman Municipal Assembly and the Department of Social Welfare. It is aimed at minimizing child labour in the Municipality. Mr. Boamah-Asumadu stated that the future of the next generation depended on the quality of children and for that matter investment in the future of mankind should not be compromised.

He said additional nine children operating at the market had been withdrawn to undergo vocational training at the cost of GH¢915. Fifty more children in the market have also been identified and would soon be registered and undergo vocational skills training to bring the total number of children receiving support from BRUM to 200, the co-ordinator said.

Mr. Gabriel Owusu Sarpong, Techiman Municipal Director of Social Welfare and Focal Person on Child Labour, underscored the need for parents not to sacrifice their wards' future for present economic gains. Mr. Prince Yaw Donyina, MCE for Techiman, expressed the hope that the project would be a success and asked parents to take advantage of government's interventions such as the capitation grants and the school feeding programme.