Cape Coast, Feb. 5, GNA - Reverend Joseph Gyamfi, head pastor of the Liberty Church in Takoradi, on Saturday blamed the media for contributing to moral degeneration in the society.

He pointed out that the celebration of Valentine's Day and its attendant sexual promiscuity, which is "alien to Ghanaians", has become prominent and popular, because of the role the media plays in projecting it.

Rev. Gyamfi, who also has oversight responsibility over the church's branch in Cape Coast, was speaking at day's seminar dubbed: "Teacher-parents-kids face to face platform", organised by Ghana Broadcasting Corporation's 'Radio Central' at Cape Coast. The seminar deliberated on how best problems faced by teachers, parents and children, could be solved to ensure the effective upbringing of children.

Rev. Gyamfi appealed to the media to desist from promoting negative practices, behaviours or attitudes that have the tendency to destroy the dignity of the Ghanaian.

Ms Veronica Fry-Annan, Cape Coast Municipal Director of Education, expressed concern that some parents even encourage their daughters to indulge in prostitution in order to earn some money for a living. She warned such parents to refrain from such behaviour, as it can result in their daughters being infected with HIV/AIDS.

The Very Reverend Isaac Kweku Sam, Superintendent Minister of the Wesley Methodist Church in Cape Coast, reiterated that teachers and parents have a role to play in the proper upbringing of children. He cautioned children to be "very careful" in their choice of friends in order not to be influenced by negative peer pressure. Very Rev. Sam, also advised children to reciprocate efforts by their parents and teachers towards their welfare, by being respectful and obedient to them.

Ms Janet Mensah of 'Radio Central' in a welcoming address, urged the participants to take the seminar seriously, in order to ensure that solutions are found to "thorny issues" that confront children both at home and at school. 05 Feb. 05