Mr Samuel Appiah, Circuit Supervisor of the Donkro-Nkwanta in the Nkoranza South District Directorate of Education, has urged traditional authorities to reintroduce puberty rites, locally known as "bragoro," to curb teenage pregnancies.
He advised parents to take keen interest in the education of their children, especially girls, and guard them against premarital sexual
practices.
Mr. Appiah gave the advice at a durbar of the chiefs and people of Dandwa to participate in a cultural festival of basic schools from the
Ayerede and Donkro-Nkwanta circuits at Dandwa.
The festival was under the theme: "Culture, the discovery of our past is our strength."
Mr. Appiah expressed worry about the youth who had adopted foreign cultures and lifestyles to the neglect of the Ghanaian traditions and
values.
If these were not checked, he noted, they would ruin their lives.
Mr. James Appiah, the District Cultural Officer, emphasized that teachers should attach seriousness to the teaching of Cultural Studies to promote the Ghanaian heritage.
He deplored the attitude of some religious organizations which considered cultural practices "as idol worshipping" and entreated them to
change their stance.
Mr. Appiah said: "our cultural heritage makes us unique and describes the various tribes of a country."
"The way people dance, drum, sing and even eat depicts their culture." Nana Yaw Aduobo II, chief of the area, who presided, commended the
Ghana Education Service for promoting the teaching of culture in schools and described the theme of the festival as relevant.
He urged girls in the communities to take their education seriously and gave the assurance that any girl who would go through puberty rite would receive a special sponsorship package.
Nana Yaa Fosuaa Dianwoma, the queen mother, advised parents to be mindful about the movements of their girls so that they would not join bad
peers who could jeopardize their future.