Girls in the Upper West Region are still being abused leading to high rate of teenage pregnancy and school dropouts.
Others below 18 years are usually sent into early marriage denying them of their basic right to education and other opportunities.
Addressing students and other stakeholders at the celebration of the Day of the African Child at Wa, the Upper West Regional Director of the Department of Children, Matilda Chireh said despite education on the need to protect children, some people continue to infringe on their rights .
The International Day of the African Child has been celebrated on June 16 each year since 1991.
The day honours those who participated in the Soweto uprising in 1976. It is also to raise awareness on the need to continue improving education provided the African Child.
In the Upper West Region, Plan International Ghana with support from the Department of Children and the Anti-trafficking Unit of the Ghana Police Service organized a forum to educate selected students from 15 schools on their rights as well as call on government and other stakeholders to do more to protect the rights of children especially girls.
The Upper West Regional Director of Children, Madam Matilda Chireh expressed worry that issues like child marriage persist in the region.
The Regional Director of Plan International Ghana, Eric Ayaaba said more needs to be done to prevent child migration, because it opens up children to exploitation.
An officer with the Regional Anti-trafficking Unit, Lance Corporal Juliet Dovi Agbemasu educated the pupils on the dangers of trafficking and shared some tips on how to stay safe.
