PPAG contributes 1.5 million cedis to Otumfuo's Education Fund

Kumasi, May 4, GNA - The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on Wednesday commended the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) for its positive efforts in helping to combat HIV/AIDS.

The Asantehene said the PPAG's decision to combine its traditional role of family planning with education on the HIV/AIDS menace shows the seriousness of the disease and the level of the association's concern to bring the disease under control.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu made the commendation when members and staff of the PPAG called on him at the Manhyia Palace to congratulate him on the first anniversary of his enthronement and to present a cheque for 1.5 million cedis towards the Otumfuo's Education Fund, in Kumasi.

The Asantehene told the delegation that he had initiated a programme yet to be inaugurated, to help check the spread of HIV/AIDS because he recognises the danger the disease poses to the youth, who form the bulk of the country's human resource.

He said for the various AIDS programmes to make the desired impact on society, it was vital for Ghanaians to appreciate and accept the existence of HIV/AIDS and live upright lives.

On the Education Fund, Otumfuo Osei Tutu said since education is the key to development, those who manage the fund would ensure that scholarships from the fund were granted to brilliant but needy children to have access to education at all levels.

Mr Justice G. K. Acquah, President of the PPAG, who presented the cheque, commended the Asantehene for his initiative such programmes to help in the national efforts to bring quality education to children in the region and to help fight the spread of HIV/AIDS. He said the association views the initiatives of the Asantehene as unique in the history of traditional authority and decided to contribute its quota to ensure the success of the programmes. Present was Dr Joana Nerquaye-Tetteh, Executive Director of the PPAG.