Children's voices on the agenda at anniversary celebrations

As part of the celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of Ghana's independence, Plan is sponsoring a programme of events to focus attention on issues which affect the country's children.

Called "Ghana @ the dawn of 50 - children and their future prospects", the programme will involve hundreds of children representing regions across Ghana, including Plan programme areas.

They will get the chance to meet regional ministers in an open forum to raise the issues that concern them and demand government action.

Education, water and sanitation, and obstacles to development such as lack of infrastructure will be among the subjects that the participants aim to tackle.

The 'Meet the Ministers' events are already underway, with over 100 children coming together to question the Vice-President of Ghana, Aliu Mahama, and one of the regional ministers, Nana Ato Arthur.

The officials were grilled on their policies on creating opportunities for children and young people, environmental and developmental issues, and local concerns such as provision of health centres and water supplies.

A follow-up meeting with the President of Ghana is planned for July, so that the children can ensure that the issues they have raised are addressed at the highest level.

Samuel Paulos, director of Plan's Ghana operation, said: "As long as the platform is created for their voices to be heard at this memorable and meaningful occasion by the highest officials of the land who are responsible for all the policies and decisions, the future remains optimistic."