By Daniel Agbesi Latsu,
Kadjebi (O/R), July 24, GNA – Stakeholders at a Community Child Protection Committee (CCPC) consultative engagement at Kadjebi in the Oti Region have expressed concern about the increasing involvement of underage children in commercial motorbike riding, popularly known as okada, in the Kadjebi District.
They said the growing practice posed serious risks to the lives, education and future prospects of the children and called on parents, traditional authorities, security agencies and other stakeholders to work together to address the situation.
Raising the issue at the meeting, Mr Alex Agbesi Boateng, Assembly Member for the Dodi-Akum Electoral Area, said underage motorbike riding had become prevalent in some communities within the district.
He observed that many school-age children were abandoning their education to engage in commercial motorcycle transport services in pursuit of quick income, thereby exposing themselves to road crashes, injuries and other social vices.
Mr Boateng, who is also a member of the Community Child Protection Committee, said the trend, if not addressed, could adversely affect the district’s human resource development.
He appealed to parents and guardians to closely monitor the activities of their children and prioritise their education and wellbeing.
Mr Boateng also called on the Police, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and other relevant institutions to strictly enforce road traffic regulations to prevent minors from operating motorcycles on public roads.
Mr Isaac Robson Klu, Head of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development in Kadjebi, described the issue as a child protection concern that required a coordinated response from all stakeholders.
He said children had the right to protection, education and development, stressing that exposing them to hazardous work such as commercial motorcycle riding constituted a violation of those rights.
Mr Klu appealed to parents not to sacrifice the future of their children for short-term economic gains, adding that investments in their education and wellbeing would yield long-term benefits for families and society.
He urged community members to report cases of child neglect, abuse and exploitation to the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development or other appropriate authorities for prompt intervention.
Participants resolved to intensify public education on child protection issues and strengthen collaboration among community leaders, schools, security agencies and child welfare institutions to safeguard the rights and welfare of children in the Kadjebi District.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah