Department of Children appeals for more funds

Kumasi, June 29, GNA – The Department of Children of the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs, has appealed for increase in its annual budget to enable it to effectively carry out its mandate.

Madam Mariama Yayah, the Acting Director, said they currently receive not more than one per cent of the national budget to run their affairs, adding that this was “woefully inadequate.”

The Department should be sufficiently resourced to promote children's development, protection, welfare, and advocacy.

Madam Yayah was speaking at a day's durbar to sensitize the public on the plight of children and how to improve their situation within the context of the nation's development agenda.

“All together for urgent action in favour of street children”, was the theme.

It formed part of activities marking this year's African Union (AU) Children's Day celebrations.

The Acting Director invited the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE), media and other stakeholders to join in efforts at helping the people to have better understanding of the Children's Act.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Susanna Dery, Ashanti Regional Deputy Coordinator of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), said her outfit within the first quarter of the year, recorded 346 cases of child neglect.

The figure, she said, give cause for concern, adding that, child neglect, poverty, teenage pregnancy and broken homes were fuelling streetism in the country.

ASP Dery noted that child neglect in whatever form was against the law and urged the people not to hesitate to report offenders to the police.

GNA