The event was held at Najong 1, Najong 2 and Jilik communities in the district where about 120 children were given sumptuous meals.

The party was organised by Community Empowerment and Development System (CEDS-GHANA), a non-governmental organisation, with support from some philanthropists and some residents of Scotchtown in the Orange County, New York, in the United States of America.

It formed part of the "A Happy Child, A Decent World Initiative" of CEDS-GHANA which advocates for the elimination of troubled childhood which limit children from developing to their full potential.

The initiative also seeks to partner with parents, government, civil society organisations and traditional authorities in the design and implementation of child friendly interventions in the country.

Mr Eric Danyaum Bandim, Head of Programmes of CEDS-GHANA, said research has shown that happy children are 60 per cent much less likely to develop mental disorders throughout their lives compared to troubled children.

He said poverty is not the only cause of troubled childhood as evidence shows that child neglect, divorce and less parent-child contact time amongst others are linked to the concern.

He called on parents and guardians to allocate enough time for childcare since a better tomorrow depends on happy child today adding children should be considered as the social security for parents and their guardians.

Naa Prince Masak II, chief of Najong 2, lauded the initiative to put smiles on the faces of orphans in the communities in the area saying it should be promoted to help unveil the hidden treasures in the children.

Madam Freda Kanyakirsua, a guardian, said "since the death of their father, things have been tough, what to even eat during the festive season like this is always a problem and for CEDS- GHANA to organise this party for us was timely".

She expressed gratitude to CEDS-GHANA for the initiative appealing that it be organised again next year for the children to share in the Christmas festivities.