By Kingsley Mamore
Dambai (O/R), Oct 31, GNA – The Oti Regional Department of Gender, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC), has celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child, on the theme: ‘Girls’ vision for the future’.
The sensitisation accorded the girls the opportunity to meet high achiever women and engaged in various professions across sectors as well as successful and talented people from all occupations.
Mr Amin Abdul-Muttalib, the Municipal Director of Health Services, advised adolescents to avoid early sexual activity, which could lead to unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted infections.
He called on parents and community leaders to support health initiatives that promote adolescent sexual and reproductive well-being.
Delivering a speech at the event, the Regional Acting Director of the Department of Gender, Mrs Esther Hammond-Doe, emphasized the critical role that parents and community members play in the development and protection of adolescents, particularly girls.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, she said parents had a responsibility to protect their children from physical, emotional, moral dangers, child marriage, teenage pregnancy and violence.
Mrs Doe said community authorities must ensure a safe and supportive environment where adolescents can realize their full potential.
She advised adolescent girls to stay away from sexual intercourse and focus on their education and personal growth.
“Your body is yours, make informed choices about your health and well-being, you are the future leaders, innovators, change-makers, protect your future,” Mrs Doe added.
Some adolescent girls who participated in the workshop on teenage pregnancy expressed heartfelt appreciation to facilitators and organizers for exposing them to the consequences of teenage pregnancy.
The participants made a solemn pledge to abstain from any activities that could lead them to teenage pregnancy.
GNA