President Akufo-Addo has saluted the Gender Minister for creating an opportunity for him to dine and socialize with children of the country as part of the Christmas celebration.

The Gender Ministry led by Otiko Afisah Djaba last Friday held a big and colourful party for over 2000 children at Kyebi in the Eastern Region to mark the annual President's Children Christmas Party.

The party is organised by the Ministry enables the President and some Ministers of state to socialize and interact with the children and to know their concerns.

This event was also graced by the Okyehene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin. 

The President described the event as an honour for him to join a large gathering of enthusiastic children to celebrate the occasion.

He reiterated his government's resolve to end child marriage, trafficking of children, child abuse, defilement and child rape.

President Akufo-Addo advised parents to provide special attention to the welfare of their children for a better tomorrow. 

On her part, the Gender Minister called on Ghanaian children to take advantage of Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) and the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy introduced by the Akufo-Addo government to educate themselves and become future leaders.

“I am encouraging you all to learn very hard and seize this opportunity to give yourselves a very bright future," Madam Djaba added. 

She also urged parents, guardians and teachers to protect and take good care of children entrusted to their care.

She urged them to try to ensure that children enjoy their rights, but they (children) should also bear in mind that those rights go with responsibilities. 

The Okyehene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin was full of praise for the president for implementing the Free SHS programme and advised parents to ensure all children of school going age are in school.

All the children at the party were presented with mathematical sets, pens, pencils, school bags, toys, games, calculators and
toothbrushes among others.