Social Workers Advocate Alternate System For Adulthood Initiation

Kumasi, 4 June A suggestion has been made for the institution of an alternative medium to replace puberty rites and prepare the youth into responsible adulthood. Mr Anthony Owusu-Gyamfi, Project Officer of the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), who made the suggestion said the need for such an alternative arrangement has now become more relevant in view of the inactivity of puberty rites and the virtual collapse of the extended family system. Mr Owusu-Gyamfi was addressing members of Christian Institute of Accountancy and Technology (CIAT) Family Life Education Club after they had gone on a float through the principal streets of Kumasi yesterday. The float was organised by the club with the support of the PPAG to sensitise the public on the need to adopt decent life-styles. Mr Owusu-Gyamfi said the only guarantee to improving the perception of the youth about sexual reproductive issues is to ensure a regular flow of data and education material through health clubs. He said it is in realisation of this fact that made the PPAG to evolve a programme for the formation and sustenance of family life education clubs in all second-cycle institutions in the Kumasi metropolis. Mr Owusu-Gyamfi appealed to school authorities and chiefs to support the initiative of the PPAG by creating an enabling environment to encourage the formation of more of such clubs at the various educational and community levels.