A seven-member Child Panel for the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), which will operate within the ambit of the Children�s Act, to uphold the rights of children, and to ensure their care and protection was on Friday inaugurated at a ceremony in Tema.
As per the Act, membership of the panel was drawn from the assembly, institutions and citizens of proven character and integrity
The panel, including three women, has Hajia Sameratu Mohammed, as its Chairperson.
The other members are Esther Abbey, Elizabeth Quarshie, George De-graft Assan, Nii Adzete-Din, Jonathan Okum and Jones Boye.
Mr Robert Kempes Papa Nii Ofosuware, the Metropolitan Chief Executive who performed the inaugural ceremony, said it fulfilled a constitutional provision that insured the safety of children.
Mr Ofosuware said the panel shall have non-judicial functions to mediate in criminal and civil matters concerning children.
He appealed to members to work hard to ensure a reduction in child labour issues.
�We must desist from engaging children in chores that will take them away from the classroom. Education is a right for all children, and I expect the Panel to ensure that this provision is strictly adhered to.�
Hajia Mohammed, who is also chairperson of the Social Services sub-committee of TMA, thanked the assembly for the confidence reposed in Panel members and pledged members� preparedness to work hard to improve the lives of children in the metropolis.
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