By James Esuon, GNA
Upper Bobikuma (C/R), Nov 9, GNA – The Royal Akoben Foundation, a breast and menstrual health advocacy group, has admonished teachers against molesting female students, particularly at the basic schools, citing dire legal consequences.
Nana Kweku Kumi I, Sanaahene of Agona Duakwa and CEO of the Foundation, denouncing the practice, observed with disgust how some male teachers used cunning means such as sending students on errands to take advantage of them.
He noted that the phenomenon had resulted in many cases of child pregnancy and school dropout which did not auger well for the girl child and the future of the country.
“It is disgusting to see our teachers who have been given the sacred duty of protecting and guiding our young girls rather take advantage of them.
“But be reminded that there are serious laws against such distasteful behaviours and you can go to jail for that,” he cautioned.
Nana Kumi issued the admonition when the Royal Akoben Foundation, together with Equal Chance, held a breast cancer and menstrual education session for basic schools in Upper Bobikuma in the Agona West Municipality of the Central Region.
It was held under the theme: “Catch it early, treat it right, survive it, for every journey matters.”
More than 100 women underwent breast screening as part of the exercise.
Nana Kumi told the girls that menstruation was a natural phenomenon which should not scare them or keep them away from school.
However, they must keep proper menstrual hygiene to avert diseases and maintain good reproductive health.
The CEO of the Foundation commended government for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations campaign for young girls, indicating that it had been a helpful initiative for girls in his community.
Mr Eric Gyamfi Odoom, the Municipal Chief Executive of Agona West, in a statement delivered on his behalf, assured that the Assembly would do its best to support the awareness on breast cancer and menstrual health for women and girls within the Municipality.
He hinted that government under president Mahama had procured enough menstrual pads for distribution to schoolgirls nationwide.
The chiefs, queen mothers, nurses, and opinion leaders, who graced the event, appealed for an all-year-round campaign on breast cancer to serve as a constant reminder.
They expressed grave concern over the high mortality rate in Ghana induced by breast cancer, stressing the need for intensified education.
The schoolgirls expressed joy and gratitude for the education and promised to live by the advice offered them
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey /Kenneth Odeng Adade