Queenmother Blames Media

A Queenmother has criticized the media for brainwashing the youth with profane music and movies which tempt them to engage in sexual activities, rather than playing a pivotal role in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Nana Frempongmaa II, Dwantuahemaa of Dormaa Traditional area speaking to The Accra Daily Mail in Ada during the visit of Hydeia Broadbent said, "We must be able to nip the disease in the bud. And what we should do is simply this, those kinds of words that make a child want to go further than just hugging, we should take out."

She said, "I believe we would find some cure to AIDS soon but until such a time we should be able to make sure that our children are not too tempted. We should not have those [lurid] lyrics and I think the media shouldn't play them.

"It is hypocritical for any media house to play that kind of music and talk about HIV. As adults we have a responsibility to protect our children."

Nana Frempongmaa II said traditional rulers in the country have a major role to play in the AIDS campaign. She hailed the Okyehene, Ofori Panin Amoatia for his direct involvement in the fight against the menace. The Okyehene last year on the World AIDS Day embarked on a walk in his kingdom to sensitize the people about the deadly disease.

"When a traditional ruler talks people listen. He gets the audience. His people are in love with him, so whenever he advises the children, they take it. It is not just about advising but about the ruler leading a life that makes his subjects know that he has the commitment at heart," the Queenmother added.

She also lauded the Minister of Basic, Secondary and Girl-Child Education, Ms. Christine Churcher for the bold initiative she took in facilitating the visit of Hydeia and called on other public officials to emulate it.

On AIDS education, she said, "I strongly believe that we must inculcate HIV/AIDS education into the school curriculum. As a matter of fact that is why we didn't want to wait for the Ministry's approval."

The Queenmother who is the founder of Excellence Club for schools, an NGO which donates books to the underprivileged in remote areas and sensitizes the youth on HIV/AIDS, said the youth should be encouraged to build confidence in themselves.

"The Excellence Club is to help children to abstain.

We practice what is called PPP- Positive Peer Pressure. We want to encourage children through this pressure group to change their life."