Refrain from promiscuity _Youth urged

04-06-2011
The youth in the Upper East Region have been cautioned to refrain from promiscuous lifestyles and live decent lives worthy of emulation. This is because the youth constitutes the nation’s entire workforce and are required to lead moral lives devoid of indiscipline and other social vices that have the tendency of impeding their progress in life. The Deputy Upper East Regional Ministry, Lucy Awuni gave the advice in an interview with Radio Ghana at Bolgatanga. Mrs. Awuni who is also a retired educationist, described as worrying the upsurge of homosexuality and lesbianism among the Ghanaian youth and challenged stakeholders including parents and school authorities to come on board and condemn such acts which, she recounted goes against the country’s rich culture. According to her the youth are the greatest assets that the country’ could boast of, noting that if conscious efforts are not made to instill discipline in them, then the country stands the risk of loosing its hard won reputation and respect. She said though every human has feelings and at a point in time may be led into temptation by our weaknesses; the best defence is our sense of morality and commitment to uphold the virtues of truth, responsibility, compassion and integrity. Madam Awuni therefore charged the youth not to allow themselves to be lured into acts of indecency but rather let their conscience guide them in whatever they do. This, she said, creates a decent and virtuous society where all citizens will feel safe and secured. She further encouraged students to face the difficulties in life and live above reproach to ensure their total wellbeing in society. Madam Awuni later cautioned the youth against unprotected sex to reduce the spread of HIV and AIDS, which she indicated is assuming an alarming proportion in the country, particularly Upper East. She said whereas the prevalence rate of the disease is reducing in all the sentinel sites in the country that of Upper East notably, Navrongo, Bolgatanga and Bawku is increasing each passing day. She said the 2010 sentinel report on HIV and AIDS reveals that out of 40 sentinel sites covered in the country, Bolgatanga was placed at the fourth position with a prevalence rate of 3.8 percent. This according to her is a sad development and charged all and sundry to join in the fight against the menace by instilling in the youth good moral values and increased public awareness creation in all levels of society.
GBC END IA/