Parliament warns the youth against unethical conduct on Valentine's Day

Accra, Feb. 11, GNA - Two members of Parliament on Thursday expressed concern about the immoral conduct of the youth and their unethical stanceon the observance of Saint Valentine's Day on February 14.

Mr Justice Joe Appiah, Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North said students during the day engaged themselves in the use of hard drugs such as marijuana and cocaine as well as prostitution and armed robbery. Speaking on the floor of the House, he said: "The youth without rega= rd to decency have adopted their own dress code variously labelled as Otto Pfister, I am aware, show your underwear and others too immoral to talk about."

He said some of them with the urge to get rich quick had been involv= ed in 'sakawa' which had ruined many of them. Mr Appiah stressed the need to sensitize the youth to refrain from premarital sex, which could lead to unplanned pregnancies and its effects= on their lives and the country's future.

He called on parents, teachers and Parliamentarians to encourage the youth to pursue their education and activities that could enhance their development. Mr Joseph Akati Saaka, Member of Parliament for Bole Bamboi, said it was unfortunate that the essence of Valentine's Day had degenerated into "a demon of promiscuity, moral turpitude and drug abuse".

He said "the chastity of the Catholic Priest who sent cards and gifts= to console distressed people is rather used by the youth to perpetrate immorality". Mr Saaka called on Parliament, National Centre for Civic Education (NCCE), Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs, religious bodies and th= e media to help to educate the youth to make informed choices during the celebration.