Winneba, Oct 30, GNA - Speakers at a public forum in Winneba, have appealed to men who lust for teenagers to control their libido. The forum, which was organised by ABANTU for Development and Action Aid, non-governmental organisations blamed such irresponsible men for teenage pregnancies, which tend to affect Girl-Child education. The speakers at the event comprised social workers, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
Mr Kwasi Agyemang Essel, a social commentator, expressed the need for males to exercise sexual discipline, to facilitate the protection of teenagers.
Mrs Hamida Harrison, Senior Programme Officer of ABANTU and Ms Ellen Dzah, Advocacy, Public Awareness and Networking officer of the organisation advocated stiffer punishment for people who impregnate teenage girls to deter others.
They expressed regret that early child birth had virtually robbed many promising teenage girls of the acquisition of higher knowledge through education.
Mrs Harrison charged parents and guardians to exercise effective supervisory control over their teenage girls.
The forum also discussed issues that hinder many women from actively participating in politics, and advised Ghanaians to change their general attitude towards female citizens who express interest in governance. This, the speakers believed would encourage more talented and knowledgeable women in the country to enter into active politics in the coming years.
The theme for the forum was: "Strategies for increasing women's participation in decision making".