The Chief of the Chaggu Divisional Area, Naa Yahaya Osumanu who represented the Paramount Chief of the Bulenga Traditional Area, said the traditional authorities would leverage all their meeting platforms to preach about adolescent reproductive health as part of efforts to end the ‘ugly’ phenomenon tagged with the Wa East District.

He said the platforms would be used to educate and sensitize parents and guardians to handle their adolescent children in the best responsible manner to safeguard them from falling victim to teenage pregnancies and child marriages.

He indicated such education would be done during their council meetings, marriage and naming ceremonies while situational reports from the divisional heads would be requested to inform decision patterns.

Faarayiri-Naa, Naa Seidu Elyasu, who was also at the engagement, noted that the engagement was useful and necessary to collate efforts tailored to curbing the menace.

He observed that parents have a crucial role to play in shaping the moral character and positive upbringing of their children for responsible adulthood.

The clergy – both Islamic and Christian – also pledged to include messages of ASRH in their sermons and preaching at various prayer and evangelical meetings.

On his part, the Wa East District Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Pascal Kinsley said the health directorate has since set up adolescent health corners at selected health facilities to offer young people the platform to access ASRH services and information.

He added the health directorate had also increased the geographic coverage of health facilities (CHPS Compounds) in the district as part of efforts to improve adolescent reproductive health services.

He also recognized the important role of traditional rulers and the clergy in the health sector and called for their continuous support.

Representatives from the Wa East District Assembly including Assembly Members also attended the event.

Source: Info Radio