The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) on Thursday presented awards to 10 senior high students for their contribution towards human rights issues as part of activities marking the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration Human Rights (UDHR).
They were selected from 171 student writers who participated in the first national Human Rights Essay competition organized by CHRAJ with support from DANIDA.
Ms Anna Bossman, Acting Commissioner, CHRAJ, said it would, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education undertake various programmes regarding the 30 human rights articles to ensure greater awareness.
She said the competition, which was the first of its kind would generate sufficient interest among students and teachers to help build a sustainable culture of human rights in the society.
Ms Bossman said: "Everyone has the right to education and it shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages.
"Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit."
Ms Roberta Gardener, a lecturer at University of Ghana and a judge for the competition, called on students to pay attention to details and use of the English language, adding that creativity and clarity were almost missing in the various write-ups.
Mrs Victoria Odonkor, Director, Special Education at the Ministry of Education, urged students to use their leisure periods profitably and read a lot to improve their language skills as well as broadening their knowledge base.
In all, 38 Senior High Schools with Human Rights Clubs drawn from the 10 regions participated in the competition. The Universal theme for the commemoration of the 60th anniversary is; "Dignity and Justice for All of Us."
Ms Henrietta Agyei Asiamah, a form three students of the Mfantsiman Girls Senior High School, Central Region, placed first in the competition. She was given a GHC 600 scholarship, a certificate plus educational materials.
Ms Pearl Aku Badu, Accra Girls Senior high school who placed second had a GHC 300 bursary, a certificate and educational materials while Master Daniel Mintah of St Peter's SHS took the third position. He took home a GHC 200 bursary, a certificate and educational materials.