Fisher folks in Cape Coast sensitized on the effects of homosexuality

Cape Coast, June 22, GNA - The Cape Coast Metropolitan HIV/AIDS Committee on Tuesday embarked on an advocacy outreach programme to sensitiz= e fisher folks at Anaafo, a community near the Cape Coast castle, on activities that could lead to the contracting of the HIV virus. The fisher folks who turned out in their numbers were educated on the psychological, societal and health effects of gay and lesbianism and encouraged to endeavour to desist from the practice which could lead to contracting the AIDS disease.

They were also taken through the practical demonstrations on the use o= f contraceptives to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections.

Mrs. Evelyn Duodo, a senior public health nurse, bemoaned the current parental and societal negligence in the upbringing of children which, she said, had contributed to the spread of homosexual activities in the society= .. She stated that apart from getting HIV, one could also be exposed to cancer and other chronic ailments which might lead to psychological trauma and death.

Madam Felicia Ankrah, Metropolitan Co-ordinator of the Department of Social Welfare, called on parents and guardians to intensify sex education within their families to facilitate easy communication between them and their wards for the latter to confide in them freely.

She indicated the need to demystify issues surrounding homosexuality, adding that the mass media had in some way overly exposed children to such acts and hence the need for parents to counter those messages through parental guidance and education. The Reverend Asante Bordoh, a member of the Committee, said there was the need for individuals exposed to the practice to be delivered spirituall= y and given persistent counseling to save them from the act and encouraged people with such tendencies to seek help.

Mrs. Rita Owusu, a health worker and Mr. Nicholas Addo, the Metropolitan Information Officer, took turns to brief them on the health an= d psychological effects associated with gay and lesbianism and entreated all to take direct interest in stemming what they termed the 93social canker= " in society. A drama on the practice of homosexuality in schools and society was performed by Sharp Eye Production, a drama group in Cape Coast to further drum home the message.