Media advised against corrupting morals of youth on Valentine Day

Kumasi, Feb. 2, GNA - The media, particularly the FM stations have been advised against promoting programmes that could corrupt the morals of the youth thereby encouraging them to engage in illicit sex, during the celebration of this year's Valentine Day.

Mr Opoku Agyemang Prempeh, Executive President of the Centre for Moral Education, a non-governmental organisation, promoting morality amongst the youth, on Sunday said the celebration had nothing to do with casual sex, rather it encouraged people to donate to the poor and less fortunate in society.

Mr Prempeh was speaking in an interview with the GNA in Kumasi on what individuals, organisations and the media were expected to do to bring sanity into the celebration of the Valentine Day.

Executive President of CEMED said Saint Valentine who was associated with the celebration, mobilised funds and resources to support widows, orphans and the needy and not for "inducing people to casual sex".

Mr Prempeh expressed regret that the significance of the festivity had been virtually undermined by activities of many people, especially the youth who misconstrued the event for a period for enjoyment, making love, alcoholism and immorality.

Mr Prempeh said reports about shortage of condoms during last year's Valentine Day in the country suggested that many people engaged in sexual activities during the celebration.

He, therefore, suggested the media, particularly FM stations to educate the public on morality and discipline to give true meaning to the Day, instead of promoting messages and products that could encourage sexual promiscuity among the youth.

Mr Prempeh urged religious bodies, NGOs and traditional authorities to join the media in educating the youth on the essence of Valentine Day to disabuse their minds that it was an event for sexual activities. He said such intervention could assist in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS