Gomoa Brofoyedur (C/R), June 12, GNA - The Pastor of Apam Salvation Army Church, Rev. Justice Incoom has urged church leaders to accept the usage of the condom and preach it to their members. Pastor Incoom said the continuous rejection of the condom use by some church leaders was a great disservice to their members who could not abstain from pre-marital sex.

"It is an undisputed fact that there are some deviant Christians who cannot abstain from pre-marital sex or be faithful to their partners who need to be saved from contracting HIV/AIDS," the Pastor pleaded. He made the call at HIV/AIDS workshop for religious leaders and traditional rulers at Gomoa Brofoyedur near Apam. It was organised by Brofoyedur Women and Youth Development Association, a Community-Based Organisation (CBO) with funds provided by Ghana AIDS Commission.

Pastor Incoom admitted that though condom use might not be the best method of preventing HIV infection it could be better than discouraging its use.

Mr. Eric Akobeng, Gomoa District HIV/AIDS Focal Person urged traditional rulers to enact by-laws to ban activities which promote immorality in their communities.

Mr. Akobeng cautioned parents against pushing their daughters into immoral practice as means of earning income for upkeep of the home, and grandmothers from early demand of offspring from their granddaughters. Alhaji Osman Moro Fukuyama cautioned against the use of chewing herbs for treating another person's wound or cut to prevent flow of blood, especially when on the farm since such action could lead to infection of HIV.

Nana Apaade Abbam, queen of Brofoyedur and chairperson of the CBO advised the people to receive health care from recognised health institutions. 12 June 04