AIDS test should not be compulsory -Doctor

Kumasi, Nov 17, GNA - Dr Agyarko Poku of the Suntreso Government Hospital has called on churches, pastors and other social groups not to impose HIV/AIDS tests on people preparing to marry.

He said although AIDS has become a social problem, imposing compulsory tests on prospective marriage couples would infringe on their human rights.

Dr Agyarko was addressing 50-member Church Council at a leadership-training course of the Amakom Saint Paul's Catholic Church that was aimed at selecting leaders for the Church at the weekend.

He called on church leaders to stop imposing their will on the congregation and instead solicit their views through discussions to arrive at fair decisions.

Dr Agyarko told the leaders to be just and firm but be cautious in handling marital issues since the least mistake could lead to conflict, separation or divorce.