Parents urged to take greater interest in children

The Director of Gender in the Volta Region, Mrs Thywill Eyra Kpe, has called on parents to become more involved in the lives of their children to help reduce teenage pregnancy in the area. She emphasized that parental guidance is essential for young people to make informed decisions and steer clear of behaviours that could harm their futures.

Mrs Kpe stressed that parents cannot afford to be detached from their children's activities and that active involvement is vital for raising responsible adults and creating safer communities.

At the closing ceremony of a two-day training program for 60 couples, Mrs Kpe highlighted how the Department of Gender, with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), had expanded its programs to train couples in the Central Tongu and Adaklu districts. She stressed that parents play a crucial role in transforming communities and must take their responsibilities for their children seriously.

Mr Addison Dodzi Mornyuie, the Central Tongu District Chief Executive, praised the initiative as timely, especially when some parents have neglected their duties towards their children. He lamented that many parents show little concern for their wards' well-being, fail to ensure they attend school, and are unaware of their whereabouts or living conditions.

Mr Mornyuie urged parents to show greater interest in their children, stressing that the best legacy they can leave them is investment in their education. He also called on couples to protect children from all forms of violence and discrimination.

Ms Ernestine Amehoe, the Adaklu District Public Health Nurse, urged parents to create an environment conducive to regular communication with their children about reproductive health and socially acceptable lifestyles. She stressed that open communication could help prevent young people from engaging in premarital sex and other risky behaviors.