Amansie E. Clamps Down On Child Delinquency

Sixteen children of school-going age found roaming about aimlessly in seven communities in the Amaasie East District of Ashanti were on Friday, rounded up in a special exercise initiated by the Bekwai police and the District Assembly.

The exercise, aimed at checking the high rate of child delinquency and parental neglect in the district is in line with the assembly's bye-law passed last August 19.

The bye-law states that “no child of school going age should be seen selling or roaming about aimlessly in town during school hours and after 8 pm.”

Mr. Richard Aboagye, the District Chief Executive, told the Times at the week-end that as their punishment parents of the 16 children were made to pay a fine of ў100,000 per child before they were released.

They were also warned to ensure that their children were enrolled in schools in their communities and attended classes regularly.

They were rounded up at Abodom, Anhwea-Nkwanta, Behinase, Dadease, Denyase, Ntinonko and Poano.

Under lining the importance of education in community and national development, Mr. Aboagye said it was imperative that parents send their children to school.

He pointed out that with the introduction of the capitation grant in particular parents have no excuse in falling to send their children to school.

“We want school children to be in school during school hours and those who have not been enrolled to be enrolled without delay. There is absolutely no reason why they shouldn't be in school,” the DCE stated.