Chiefs from the Pungu Traditional Area in Navrongo have embarked on a community outreach to selected basic schools to encourage young girls to remain in school and pursue their academic aspirations.
The traditional leaders visited about ten schools within the Pungu area and other schools, including Nayagenia Badania Primary School, Nayagenia Primary and Junior High Schools, and Kogwania Primary and Junior High Schools.
Addressing pupils and teachers at Nayagenia Primary and Junior High Schools on Thursday, March 5, the Chief of Bavugunia, Adatuga Paarebajea Pe Abayage Anankware III, who led the delegation, said the initiative was inspired by an engagement between the chiefs of Navrongo and the Obaapa Foundation last year aimed at promoting girl-child education.
According to him, the visit was intended to educate pupils, particularly girls, about the dangers of teenage pregnancy and early marriage and to encourage them to stay focused on their education.
“We embarked on this visit to engage our young girls on the dangers of teenage pregnancy and early marriage and to urge them to stay in school and pursue their dreams.” He said.
The chief further reminded the pupils that a by-law in Navrongo prohibits parents from giving underage girls into marriage. He encouraged girls who may face such pressure to seek support from traditional leaders or other responsible authorities.
He also cautioned pupils, especially boys, against engaging in drug use, warning that such behavior could ruin their future.
As part of efforts to motivate academic excellence, Pe Abayage Anankware III announced plans by the Pungu Traditional Council to establish an educational fund to support Junior High School candidates who obtain aggregates between six and nine in the Basic Education Certificate Examination to further their education.
Joining the chiefs during the visit was Professor Evelyn Sakeah, Head of the Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Navrongo.
She explained that the outreach was aimed at inspiring pupils to remain committed to their education and to make informed life choices.
“It is all about encouraging them to remain in school, work hard to achieve their goals, become responsible citizens, and marry only when they are ready, because early marriage has serious consequences,” she noted.
Professor Sakeah further urged the pupils to take their studies seriously and aspire to become responsible and influential members of society, emphasizing that education remains the key to a secure future.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | David Adapuna
