The Legal Aid Board in collaboration with the Federation of International Women Lawyers (FIDA), Ghana, has drawn a comprehensive outreach programme to help educate citizens in all the districts 0f the Ashanti Region on legal matters.
The programme aims among others, at bringing legal literacy and aid to their doorsteps to enable them know their rights and responsibilities.
Miss Eudora Oppong, Ashanti Regional Administrator of FIDA, disclosed this at the opening of a three-day outreach programme to that effect for over 100 participants at Mamponteng in the Kwabre District on Thursday.
The topics discussed include the Intestate Succession Law, Wills Act, Marriages and Divorce, Children's Act 560 and the Domestic Violence Bill.
Miss Oppong, speaking on the Domestic Violence Bill, said the bill, when passed into law would ensure the protection of women against violence like assault, harassment, rape and defilement.
She expressed concern about the increasing cases of violence against women in the country and urged women groups to rise up to the occasion and make positive contributions towards the passage of the bill.
Miss Oppong disclosed that arrangements were far advanced for Parliament to pass the bill into law and hoped that it would protect the rights of women in the country.
Mr Kwaku Frimpong, Ashanti Regional Director of the Legal Aid Board, speaking on Children's Rights and Maintenance, said under the Children's Act it was legal for parents and guardians to provide shelter, clothing, health and education for their children.
He was not happy about how some parents and guardians abuse the rights of children and said their failure to provide their basic needs would result in a lawsuit at the courts.
Mr Frimpong warned parents against using their children for exploitative child labour, which could affect their health and education.
He also advised parents and guardians to address child maintenance-related problems to the Department of Social Welfare and Family Tribunal Courts for redress.
Miss Mariam Agyemang-Gyasi, a member of FIDA, stressed the need for couples to register their marriages for a legal backing.
She assured the readiness and preparedness of the Legal Aid Board and FIDA to assist women with legal matters and therefore urged the people to contact their offices in Kumasi for assistance.