Kumasi, July 9, GNA - Professor Kwesi Andam, Vice-chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has stated that it will be wrong and deceptive for any one to assume that Ghana is safe from HIV/AIDS because of the low rate of the disease. He said in spite of the low figure recorded, the disease was still prevalent in the country could increase unless a more aggressive campaign was introduced, to enlighten people about its existence and dangers.

Professor Andam made the statement when he addressed the tenth Speech and Prize Giving Day of the KNUST Junior Secondary School (JSS), held in Kumasi on Saturday, under the theme; "HIV/AIDS, a life-consuming Monster, yet enticing to the youth of today". The ceremony was used to honour 420 students who completed last year, as well as members of staff and students who distinguished themselves in various fields.

Professor Andam advised Ghanaians to continue their advocacy and campaign programmes against HIV and to continue the war against the disease.

"The best advice we can give you at this age is to stay pure, for AIDS is real and scorching the human race, even though we in Ghana sometimes think we are safe, but in actual fact it is hovering around our doors", he stated.

Madam Patricia Appiagyei, Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister, appealed to schools not concentrate solely on academic programmes but also to put in place measures to establish counselling programmes. She said such programmes should not focus on academic issues and said moral, cultural and social issues should dealt with and extended to cover parents as well.

Madam Appiagyei commended KNUST JSS for putting in place measures to instil moral values and described the initiative as a positive one that must be embraced by other schools.

Mrs. Theodosia Jackson, Headmistress of the KNUST JSS while commending the KNUST authorities and the School's Parent-Teacher-Association for their assistance. She appealed to them to help the School to complete an Assembly Hall project, which was started 11 years ago.