Tarkwa (W/R), Jan. 7, GNA - Mr Thomas. K. Tandoh, Western Regional Population and Family Life Education Coordinator of the Ghana Education Service (GES), has advised students to abstain from sex to enable them to concentrate on their education and plan their future.

He gave the advice at a day's sensitisation seminar organised by the Regional Population Council for policy makers, heads of departments and opinion leaders in the Wassa West District at Tarkwa on Wednesday. Students, he said should be encouraged to prepare for their future by making the best of the learning and maturation time of adolescence. Mr Tandoh noted that sexual abstinence was the best decision young people could make for themselves saying relationships that involve sexual intercourse were not the best choice for teens.

"A sexually abstinent lifestyle during adolescence gives students more personal freedom and time to define who they are and who they want to become", he said.

He said young people should learn about sexuality in a positive way and acquire the skills necessary for emotional growth and maturation before entering into a sexual relationship.

Mr Tandoh urged parents and guardians to involve themselves more effectively in the education of children to make matured and well informed decisions about their sexuality.

Mr Benjamin Whyte, Regional Population Officer, spoke about the 2003 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey.