Teen's centre expansion commissioned

Abiriw-Akuapem (Eastern Region), 15th June 99 -

The first phase of the expansion of the Abiriw Teen's Centre to enable it to offer reproductive health education and services and skill training to more teenage mothers and female school drop outs has been commissioned at Abiriw.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Ms Patience Adow, speaking at the ceremony called for support for school drop outs, young girls and teenage mothers.

She expressed appreciation to organisations which contributed towards the project especially the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG).

Mr Koichiro Fukasawa, third secretary of the Japanese Embassy stressed the need for the establishment of more centres and asked the students to take advantage of the facility to improve themselves.

Mr Justice G.K. Acquah, national president of PPAG said research confirms that one out of every ten pregnant women in the country is a teenager.

He said the establishment of the centres is part of PPAG's efforts to meet the needs of pregnant teenagers and mothers by supporting them with skill training.

Apart from the Abiriw Teens Centre, the association has other institutions at Abuesi near Sekondi and Oforikrom in Kumasi.

Mr Anthony Gyampoh, Akuapem North District Chief Executive, said the district assembly had enacted by-laws to prevent children from indulging in late night activities.

GRi?/