Monday, December 10, 2007

Child advocates prepare for CAN 2008

As I write this, 40 days, 7 hours, 38 minutes and some seconds remain to the kickoff of the 2008 African Cup of Nations in host nation Ghana. The 16 national soccer teams are now preparing themselves for pitched battle, local and international NGOs have readied themselves for the hordes of spectators that will descend upon the country.

The latest approach: A child rights organization has suggested mandating a 8 pm curfew for any children below 18.

[Child Rights International] has also appealed to the Ghana Police Service to beef up security in cities hosting the tournament to ensure children were not exploited.

Mr Bright Appiah, Executive Secretary CRI, said it had received information that some persons intend to recruit children as child prostitutes in the Kumasi metropolis.

He said the information had it that recruitment of children would start on December 15 and would involve children aged 15 and above.

It should be noted that Kumasi will host Group C during the 20 day tournament. Group C includes: Egypt, Sudan, Zambia and Cameroon.

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