The Queen Mother of the Suhum Traditional Area, Nana Arko Bensua, has urged young girls to abstain from early sexual activity and remain focused on their education to secure a brighter future.
She made the appeal during an outreach programme aimed at educating schoolgirls on menstrual hygiene while distributing sanitary pads and other personal hygiene items.
Speaking at the event, Nana Arko Bensua expressed concern over the increasing number of young girls engaging in early sexual relationships, which often result in teenage pregnancies and derail their educational and career aspirations.
She encouraged the girls to avoid sexual relationships at a young age, stressing that early pregnancy comes with serious health risks and can hinder their personal development. She advised them to concentrate on their studies, attain maturity, and grow into responsible women.
The Queen Mother also urged the girls to be obedient to their parents and teachers, noting that discipline and education are essential for becoming responsible citizens.
The Suhum Amankrado Ankobeahene and Founder of the OSMAH Foundation, Nana Akosua Korang Larbi, said her passion for supporting the girl child stems from her own childhood experiences and the challenges many young girls continue to face today.
According to her, many girls in deprived communities are vulnerable to exploitation because they lack access to basic necessities, including sanitary pads. She explained that some are lured into sexual relationships simply to obtain money to purchase menstrual products.
Beyond distributing sanitary pads and hygiene supplies, she said the programme also educated participants on menstrual hygiene management and the importance of protecting their future.
Nana Akosua Korang Larbi noted that the inability to afford sanitary pads forces many girls to miss school during their menstrual periods, negatively affecting their academic performance and increasing their vulnerability to teenage pregnancy.
She encouraged the girls not to compromise their future because of financial challenges, urging them to remain determined in pursuing their education and aspirations while resisting pressure to engage in relationships for material support.
