Minister warns parents over emerging trend of family planning for girls

Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, has cautioned parents against introducing family planning methods to young girls at an early age, arguing that parental guidance should be prioritised in raising responsible children.

Speaking at the Yilo Krobo Future Leaders Conference and Workshop, she questioned the rationale behind putting children as young as pupils in class 6 on contraceptives.

“In class six, some parents put their child on family planning. Why are you introducing contraception to a child at that age?” she questioned.

She stressed that parents have a critical role to guide and discipline their children rather than relying on early contraception as a preventive measure.

Awatey said she had successfully raised more than five girls without resorting to family planning for them at an early age and urged other parents to provide proper guidance to their children.

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“I have been able to raise more than five girls without it… so why can't you?” she asked.

Citing the biblical injunction to “train a child the way he should go,” Awatey said some parents wait too long to correct their children and, in some cases, over-pamper them.

She said the lack of firm parental supervision could contribute to children engaging in irresponsible behaviour, stressing that parents must take an active role in shaping their children's character and future.

She also referred to a recent incident at a senior high school, where she said some parents appeared to have been aware of their child's misconduct but did not take appropriate action.

Awatey urged parents to learn from successful role models and provide the discipline and guidance necessary to help young people become responsible adults.

MRA/VPO

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