Accra, Sept. 2, GNA - The Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), is to organise a sponsored walk to raise funds for Life Planning Skills (LPS) under its youth reproductive health programme. The Chief Justice Kingsley George Acquah, one time President of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), would lead the walk, is slated for September 8.

Mr Francis Yankey, Head the LPS; one of the branches of PPAG, announced this at the Council meeting with journalist in Accra. The meeting was conveyed to brief newsmen on the achievement of the Association since its establishment in 1967. LPS is a special curriculum designed for young people to equip them with critical life planning skills through participatory discussions and teaching sessions that cover adolescent sexual and reproductive health issues.

He said the role of young people in nation building was essential and that it required urgent investment to develop their skills. Mr Yankey noted that the lack of skills needed for young people to plan their life had led many of them into negative behaviours such as drug abuse, unsafe sexual practices, alcoholism and many others. In Ghana, 10 per cent of all births occur among adolescent mothers, 12 per cent of young men and women aged between 15 years to 19 years have had a child while the peak age group of HIV/AIDS cases were among females aged between 25 years and 29 years with males being between 30 years and 34 years.

Mr Yankey said with the grim statistics, it was necessary to empower the youth by providing them with LPS to enable them to make positive life choices and improve on their adolescent protective behaviours.

Dr Frances Owusu-Daarku, President of PPAG, said the Association received its accreditation last year to become a member of the IPPF. Two of its members- Dr A. Armah, Past President and Dr Joana Nerqquaye-Tetteh, Executive Director of PPAG, were honoured with Gold and Bronx medals, respectively, in Nairobi, Kenya.

Ms Aku Xornam Adzraku, Co-ordinator of PPAG's Youth Action for Movement and a Council Member, was also elected as the Africa Youth Representative on the Africa Regional Executive Committee. Dr Nerquaye-Tetteh said PPAG worked in four main areas including advocacy, HIV/AIDS and access to services with the aim of making it an institution that would provide quality services.