Mr. Gafari Ishmael, The Regional Minister’s Representative chaired the program and welcomed all participants to the meeting. Mr Gafari in his welcome address said he was very happy for this opportunity to discuss and address issues hindering child education in the region.

Mr. sefah Alexander Boadu, ag. National Director - Department of Children in the Ministry of Gender Children and Social Protection in his submission expressed his heartfelt gratitude for warm reception in this region and brought fort warm greetings from the Ministry.

Miss. Dorothy Ayorkor Tetteh, Ahafo Regional Director, Department of Children Stressed on children staying away from school as a result of engagement in Galamsey and strategies to address them.

Addressing the issue she made it known that some Children are involved in illegal mining or Galamsey within the Ahafo Region which results to school dropout. She said, there should be enforcement of laws against illegal mining or Galamsey.

Again, she charged participants to encourage children education.

Awareness campaign, Community engagement, partnership with NGO’s that focus on child welfare and education are some of the measures to address the challenges of children involved in Galamsey, She emphasized Ghana Education Service representative geared on strategies and targets the Ghana Education Service is putting in place to combat teenage pregnancy.

According to her, GES as an institution has targeted all stakeholders and community leaders to bring out their views on how to get rid of teenage pregnancy.

Educating and sensitization of children on the dangers of teenage pregnancy is what the service is embarking on to address the challenges, she stated.

In her final address she highlighted some approaches they are taken to prevent stigmatization when a school girl becomes pregnant. She stated emphatically that pregnant school children shouldn’t drop out of school and that they should be encouraged to continue.

Finally school guidance and counseling coordinators should be consulted to provide counseling sessions for the pregnant child when the need arises.

Miss Irene Martha Plange, Regional Director, Social Welfare also highlighted on key factors in Integrated Social Services at the MMDA’s which include, Ghana Health Service, NHIS, DOVVSU, GES among others.

She again stated that the Department has been provided with standardized Child Protection Tookits to facilitate their sensitization programmes.

Again, during the period under review, the department organized sensitization programs in 68 communities and 20 schools and reached a total audience of 8,109 made of 3,369 males and 4,740 females on child protection issues and teenage pregnancy, child labour etc.

The Regional Chief Imam Secretary also highlighted that the Muslim community is doing their best in the child protection issues by identifying the challenges and finding solutions to them.

Mr. Gafari Ishmael indicated in his closing remarks that the various departments onboard need to collaborate to ensure child protection and welfare.

Finally, he made the house understand that there should be gender balance and mutual respect for women when delivering on your mandate for an assignment relating to women and children.

The meeting brought together key personalities like; Mr. Gafari Ishmael, the Ahafo Regional Minister’s Representative, Mr. sefah Alexander Boadu, Ag. National Director - Department of Children, Miss. Dorothy Ayorkor Tetteh, Ahafo Regional Director, Department of Children.

Other representatives from various institutions and departments like Ghana Education Service, Ghana Police Service, Economic Planning department, Information Services Department and the Regional Chief Imam Secretary.