Regional News of Wednesday, 21 May 2003

Source:  

Chiefs form virgin club in Bechem

Bechem (Brong Ahafo) - Nicholas Anane-Adjei, Tano District Chief Executive (DCE), has called on beneficiaries of government interventions on the campaign against HIV/AIDS to utilize such monies judiciously.

He made the call at the inauguration of the Tano District Virgin and Abstinence clubs initiated by the Coalition of Life Preservers, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) formed by the Bechem Traditional Council.

The DCE said some organizations sprang up, collected monies from the government and fizzled out after initial activities on the AIDS campaign. ''Such unscrupulous organizations would be found out one day and face prosecution,'' he said.

Anane-Adjei said the formation of the Virgin Club was not a problem but how to monitor its activities and appealed to the traditional authorities to check the moral activities of their citizens to sustain the growth of the club.

Nana Opanwomoaso Boampong Bekoe, Akwamuhene of Bechem Traditional Council said the observance of puberty rites would have to be revisited to help reduce immorality among girls. He said the council would institute a scholarship scheme for members of the club to pursue their studies.