Kumasi, May 18, GNA - Mr. Opoku-Agyemang Prempeh, Managing Director of the Centre for Moral Education (CEMED), has stated that legalisation of prostitution is not a solution to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, but rather, the focus should be on intensive education on good morals.

He therefore appealed to the Executive and Parliament not to accept any proposals or memoranda pertaining to the legalisation of prostitution. Mr. Prempeh made the statement on Tuesday at a meeting of the CEMED in Kumasi to explore mechanisms for addressing the HIV menace in the country.

He noted that legalisation of the practice would only compound the problem of the deadly disease AIDS, saying it would offer an opportunity for many more young people to enter into the commercial sex business, thereby exposing them to sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. "The danger is also that when the practice of commercial sex becomes legal, it will undermine our cherished values and tradition as well as our dignity as a people", he added.

Mr. Prempeh advised that instead of legalising prostitution, the Government should join hands with the Ghana AIDS Commission to embark on intensive and sustainable educational programmes on the disease. He suggested that as part of such programmes, virgins clubs as well as drug-free clubs should be formed at the community levels, in schools and work places, and used as platforms for enlightening people more about HIV/AIDS.

Mr. Prempeh said additionally, the National Communication Authority should initiate legislation against the screening of pornographic films on Television, adding that these practices entice people into immoral behaviours. 18 May 05