Agona Swedru, June 18, GNA - Mrs Grace Osei Bonsu, Coordinator of Departments of the Agona Swedru branch of the Assemblies of God Church, has warned teenage girls to protect their virginity, which could affect their future. She said when they protect their virginity to maturity they should also ensure that they belonged to one man and not to "hop from one man to another," which lead to HIV/AIDs and other sexual transmitted diseases.

Mrs Osei Bonsu who was speaking at a lecture to mark the annual Youth celebration of the Church at Swedru said early sex posed a serious threat to the future lives of both the girl and boy especially when their relationship led to pregnancy. She told the Youth attending the weeklong celebration under the theme, "Faithfulness in Service" that early sex leading to teenage pregnancy could lead them into hardship and abject poverty since they had not acquired any skill to earn a decent living. Mrs Osei Bonsu cautioned the girls especially the students not to give in to Peer Pressure and the vain promises of boys and men whose only aim was to exploit them.

The Coordinator also warned against illegal abortion because it would affect their womb and even lead to infertility in their future marriages. She quoted the scripture and said, "When a woman has sex with a man they become one fresh and God want every Christian to be faithful to his or her partner at all times". Mrs Osei Bonsu said teenage boys and girls should avoid sin to receive God's blessings and advised them to study hard to enable them to attain higher education to enjoy better life in future.

Mr Emmanuel Dawood, Youth Leader, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the members used the anniversary to undertake a cleanup exercise at the Swedru Government Hospital and held rallies to encourage young people to lead lives worthy of Christians. He educated them on the dangers of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and urged them to avoid anti-social vices such as drug abuse and indecent dressing. The youth also participated in a quiz competition organised by the Agona District Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to mark this year's Constitutional Week celebration in the District.