Sunyani, May 3, GNA - A religious leader has advised girls in the Sunyani Municipality to protect their virginity to avoid being exposed to unnecessary dangers.

Speaking after an HIV/AIDS Walk, jointly organised by Ghana AIDS Commission and 6th March Women's Foundation, an NGO, Rt. Reverend Wiseman Emmanuel Kwasi Kusi, Municipal Director of Education called on parents to take good care of their daughters to become useful citizens. The Walk was on the theme: "Virgin: A national asset". Rt. Rev. Kusi urged the youth, particularly students, not to waste their time on frivolous activities but to concentrate on their studies. He said the Ghana Education Service had planned to form AIDS Committees in basic level institutions to guide students on the dangers of the pandemic.

Rev. Kusi advised parents to encourage their children to join virgins clubs, which he said was one major ways of reducing the spread of the pandemic.

Mr. Augustine Peprah, Jaman North District Focal Person on HIV/AIDS cautioned the youth to resist sexual encounters and appealed to well meaning Ghanaians to assist in curbing the spread of the pandemic. Mrs. Elizabeth Frimpong, Director of 6th March Women's Foundation, said the organization aimed at sensitising the youth and creating awareness about HIV/AIDS to reduce its spread as well as empowering unskilled women and the youth through vocational training for a sustainable livelihood.

She appealed to the public to support the activities of the organization, especially in the counselling of people living with HIV/AIDS to minimize its spread.