Parents have been advised to be bold enough to discuss issues relating to sexual activities with their adolescent children, to enable them to understand and appreciate its implications before their minds are polluted by their peers.

Mrs. Julian Brown of Plant Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) gave the advice at Abura Dunkwa, where she addressed parents, guardians and the youth about the misconceptions of family planning.

She was speaking at this year's International Youth Day under the theme "Investing in the youth-Involving regional strategies for effective adolescent sexual reproduction health service delivery."

In the Central Region, the event was held at Abura Dunkwa, the district capital of Abura Asebu Kwamankese. According to Mrs. Brown, children, particularly, the adolescent ones, tend to learn a lot from their peers and colleagues most of the time, and this has dire consequences on their lives.

She stated that if parents are able to educate their adolescent children on sexual reproduction, they will be better informed and shun what they will be hearing from outside.

"Many young girls, who could have become responsible adults and mothers to contribute their quota to society and national development, have their lives derailed because of ignorance," she mentioned.

Mrs. Brown advised that teenagers will be able to do the right things at all times, when they have been properly educated on matters that affect their sexual lives.

She bemoaned the situation where many parents see family planning as a taboo or a very harmful thing to do. She intimated that family planning has a lot of benefits for every parent and the country at large, and, therefore, encouraged parents to practise it.

The Public Relations Officer of the Central Regional Coordinating Council (CRCC, Mr. David Allan Pantsil, praised parents of Abura Dunkwa for their participatory attitude.

He said the event was brought to the community because its members also attend such programmes and make immense contributions. Before the officially gathering at the durbar grounds, the youth went through the principal streets of the town amidst brass band music.

As part of activities, a People's Assembly was held by some selected students. They deliberated on issues concerning sanitation, teenage pregnancy, HIV and AIDS.

The event, which was organised by the National Youth Authority and coordinated by the RCC, was sponsored by UNFPA. It was attended by Nananom of Abura Dunkwa, parents, children, teachers and students