Gomoa Abrekum (Central Region) 1st April '99

The New Mankrado of Gomoa Abrekum, near Apam, Owese Kobena Arkoful, has called for stiffer punishment for parents who neglect their children, saying their action is creating problems for the society. Speaking to Newsmen at Gomoa Abrekum, Owese Arkoful, known in private life as Mr Jasper Mensah, an accounts officer of the Produce Buying Company, attributed the cause of the social problems such as teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, street children and robbery, to child neglect. The bitterness of not getting the needed attention from parents, especially fathers, has made many youths to show little or no interests in programmes initiated to develop their communities. Outlining his programmes for the town, Owese Arkoful said he will team up with other chiefs to mobilise the citizens for the development of the town.