Queen Mother advocates puberty rites to check spread of HIV/AIDS

Nkoranza (B/A) July 24, GNA - A traditional ruler has called for the re-visitation and enforcement of puberty rites to control the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Nana Yaa Kani, Queen mother of Nkoranza Traditional Area made the call when she addressed members of the Nkoranza Queen Mothers Association at a meeting at her palace at Nkoranza.

She expressed concern about the rate at which HIV/AIDS is spreading among the youth of Nkoranza, stressing that re-introduction of puberty rites would promote a high sense of womanhood among the girls.

Nana Kani said since queen mothers serve as embodiment of women, it is their responsibility to ensure that girls conform with traditional norms to guard them against pre-marital sex, which can lead to HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancies.

She stressed the need for queen mothers to encourage parents to enrol their girl-child in schools and provide them with the basic needs so that they would grow to become assets of the State.

Nana Owusua Ayiwa, Queen Mother of Sikaa and Secretary of the association advised members to pay their quarterly dues of GH¢ 5,00 regularly to build a sound financial base for the body.