Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin has issued a stern warning against teenage pregnancy and irresponsible parenting in Akyem Abuakwa traditional area.
Addressing a durbar of the Chiefs and people of the Benkum division of the Akyem Abuakwa State, he emphasized the detrimental consequences of these issues on society.
While acknowledging the need for children to build future human capital, Osagyefuo stressed, “Adolescent pregnancy and irresponsible parenting are not the way to go due to their severe consequences on society.”
He expressed frustration over men who neglect their parental responsibilities, stating, “If Chiefs had powers, all men who have refused to take care of their children would be chased and brought to book.”
Reflecting on the Free Senior High School (SHS) program introduced by the Akufo-Addo government, Okyenhene lauded the initiative for providing free secondary education to every Ghanaian child but emphasized the need to address the challenges hindering the program’s success.
He charged parents to take advantage to educate their children.
Furthermore, Okyenhene stressed the importance of motivating and adequately remunerating teachers to ensure quality education.
“The future of our children depends on quality education and skills development. Today, every Ghanaian child has the means to free SHS education. We must note that it’s not just about passing through the school; there must be quality education. If you provide all the amenities and you don’t pay the teachers well, it affects the children’s education,” he said.
The Benkum Divisional durbar, organized in honor of Okyenhene’s 25th anniversary on the Ofori Panin stool under the theme “25 Years of Sustainable Leadership and Service to Humanity,” is the second of five divisional royal durbars scheduled.
The Benkum Division, the second-largest within the Akyem Abuakwa State structure, comprises over 300 towns and villages. It historically served as the bastion of the western division of the Akyem Abuakwa Army, sharing borders with Asante, Kwahu, Akwamu, Krobo, and parts of the Volta Region.
The Benkumhene, also known as the Fanteakwahene, commands the left wing of the army and resides permanently in Begoro, the capital of the division.
The Benkumhene and the Nifahene are equal in rank, with the Benkumhene taking precedence in all civil and military matters within the division. Other principal chiefs in this division include the Odauhene of Osenase, the chief of Otwereso, and the chief of Apinaman, among others.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
