Elmina, (C/R) June 25, GNA- Pupils from primary and junior secondary schools in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) district, on Friday expressed concern about the poor sanitary conditions and other acts of environmental degradation in the district. They also condemned the negative use of the Internet, whereby pornographic materials are easily assessed by school children, moral decadence among the youth and the high rate of teenage pregnancy.

The school children, expressed these sentiments, when they held a mock assembly session to articulate their views about issues pertaining to the development of the district. The 'assembly' is organised annually for the children by the National Youth Council (NYC) and the KEEA assembly, with support from the African Youth Alliance, initiators of the assembly.

Other issues of concern to the children, who visibly impressed the audience, which included chiefs, queen mothers and heads of departments, were drug abuse among the youth, the need for sex education as well as issues pertaining to the health. Later in an address, Mr Frank Asmah, District Chief Executive, said he was impressed with the eloquence with which the children discussed the various issues and suggested that the mock assembly be organised in schools to enable the children to properly convey issues concerning them to school managements. He said the assembly would take note of issues raised by the children to facilitate the development of the area.

Dr Ruby Avotri, Coordinator of the AYA 'In-school project' called on the assembly to ensure that the organisation of the mock assembly is sustained since it gives school children the opportunity to express themselves. Mr William Attikese, Regional Co-ordinator of the NYC urged the district assembly to take into consideration the issues raised by the children, when in the formulation of policies. Mr Frank Appiah, Presiding Member of the assembly for his part expressed concern that some adults were contributing to moral decadence among the youth and stressed the need for all adults to exemplary lives. He also advised the youth to study hard and make discipline and hard work their watchwords.