Juaben (Ash), Aug 3, GNA - Nana Akosua Akyiamaa III, Quennmother of Juaben, has advised the youth to abstain from casual and pre-marital sex since such unhealthy practices could jeopardise their future development and progress.

The Queenmother made it clear that abstinence was crucial since it would not only protect them against being infected with the HIV/AIDS, but above all would help preserve their virginity prior to marriage. Nana Akyiamaa gave the advice at the launching ceremony of the Juaben Virgins Club at Juaben.

The club, which has the objective of helping preserve virginity among the youth, especially the up-and-coming young girls in the area, was formed by the Queenmother in collaboration with the other Queenmothers in the area together with the Juaben health sub-district and teachers.

Nana Akyiamaa expressed concern that "Bragoro," which used to be a cherished value that helped preserve young girls' virginity, was now relegated to the background thereby resulting in promiscuous lifestyles among teenage girls today.

She therefore, stressed the need for re-introduction of the "bragoro" and other cultural practices that had the potential of preserving virginity and the dignity of the Ghanaian womanhood. In an address, Dr Felicia Owusu-Antwi, the Ejisu-Juaben District Director of Health Services, pledged the support of the health directorate to enhance and sustain the virgin club to enable it to serve as a model for other areas.

She said their support will take the form of giving members of the club the requisite health education and organising specialised clinics for the girls to address some of their health problems.

Mr Yaw Ahenkorah Afrifa, the District Chief Executive, gave the assurance that the district assembly is committed to the payment of school fees of some of the members of the club and also help them learn trades as its contribution towards encouraging others to preserve their virginity. 400 members.