The Ashanti Regional Office of the Department of Social Welfare last year recorded a total of 1,067 child maintenance cases, up from the previous year's figure of 950. Nine hundred (900) of the cases were successfully handled while 100 were referred to the Family Tribunal and the remaining 60 withdrawn. Mr. Jacob Achulo, the Regional Director of the Department, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi that the upsurge of broken homes was to blame for the growing neglect of parental responsibilities. He warned that parents who refuse to take care of the maintenance of their children will be prosecuted. "It should not be lost on anyone that children's protection, education, health and shelter were important for their growth and development and should therefore not be taken for granted." The Regional Director therefore urged those who have divorced to ensure the upkeep of their children. Mr. Achulo said during the year under review, 292 paternity cases were also reported to the department and out of this, 240 were successfully mediated and 20 referred to the Family Tribunal. Touching on child custody, he said, out of the total of 250 cases recorded, 200 were amicably settled, 11 sent to the Family Tribunal and 10 withdrawn. Mr. Achulo said his outfit had intensified public education to help reduce social problems. He complained about the lack of funds and logistics and appealed for support from the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies to enhance the work of the department. Source: GNA