Coalition urges action to stop commercial sex exploitation

Kumasi, Sept.1, GNA - The Ghana NGOs Coalition on the Rights of the Child has urged action to stop the emerging trend of commercial sexual exploitation of girls from taking firm roots in the society.

Barima Akwasi Amankwaah, the Acting National Coordinator, said stakeholders have no option but to work together to fight the threat to give more protection to the girl- child.

He was speaking at the launch of a camp meeting for girls in Kumasi on the theme: 'Transforming girls into future leaders and entrepreneurs.'

It was part of the Girl Power Project, which seeks to provide space for women's empowerment.

More than 100 female students from across the Ashanti Region gathered for the eight day-programme designed to aid them to have better understanding of their fundamental rights and lives their dreams.

Barima Amankwaah expressed concern about the situation where girls in basic schools are withdrawn and married off to older men.

The girls are also trafficked and engaged as house-helps, which he said is undermining their efforts to become entrepreneurs.

It was to help tackle the challenge that the project is being implemented in more than 230 communities nationwide in eight districts in Ashanti, Eastern and Upper West Regions.

He stated that since its inception four years ago, significant progress has been made, citing the establishment of community child protection teams and girls clubs, which meet regularly to discuss issues pertaining to their progress.

Added to this is the award of scholarship to 1,200 of them to complete their post primary education.

Mr Raphael Boamah, Head of Operations, Plan Ghana, announced piloting a child helpline in the East Akyem Municipality in the Eastern Region- a system that is assisting vulnerable children to voice out injustices against them.

He said this would soon be replicated in every part of the country.

GNA