The Okaikwei North Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Christian Tetteh Badger, has urged students to avoid promiscuous lifestyles and uphold morally upright lives.
According to him, HIV/AIDS is real and remains a threat to the future of the youth of the country.
Addressing learners at the opening of a one-day HIV/AIDS awareness Symposium in Accra, the MCE advised students to make responsible choices, noting that “the choices you make determine your future.”
He further reminded them that people living with HIV/AIDS deserve respect and dignity, and must not be subjected to stigma or discrimination in their communities.
“There is hope, but this hope depends on you. Promiscuous lifestyles expose you to the virus. Be careful and mindful of the decisions you make, because you will bear the consequences,” he emphasized.
He questioned why students who have chosen education as a pathway to success would divert their attention to boyfriend-girlfriend relationships.
Hon. Tetteh Badger reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting young people, but urged them to aspire to be HIV/AIDS-free, become AIDS Ambassadors, and help build a Ghana with the lowest prevalence rate possible.
The Municipal Education Director, Mrs. Cynthia Aboni, said the programme aims to raise awareness and educate students, teachers, and community members on HIV prevention, testing, and available treatment options within the Municipality.
She noted that the symposium also serves as a moment to honor those lost to AIDS-related illnesses and to celebrate the resilience of persons living with HIV who continue to confront stigma.
Mrs. Aboni reiterated the Education Sector’s commitment to creating safe and supportive school environments where no learner or teacher suffers discrimination because of their HIV status.
She underscored the critical role schools play in behavior change through comprehensive sexuality education, peer support systems, and stigma-free learning spaces.
Mrs. Aboni added that the Directorate remains dedicated to integrating HIV/AIDS education into the School Curriculum, supporting affected students and staff, eliminating stigma, and strengthening partnerships with health facilities for testing and counseling services.
The School Health Education Programme (SHEP) Coordinator, Madam Irene Essel, cautioned students against the negative influence of social media, especially exposure to explicit content that encourages risky sexual behavior, stressing that “Young people with strong moral values are more likely to delay sexual activity, significantly reducing their risk of HIV infection during their most vulnerable years.”
She said moral principles encourage faithfulness in relationships, which is a key strategy in preventing HIV transmission and that a strong moral compass helps young people resist peer pressure and make decisions based on their values rather than momentary impulses.
“The fight against HIV/AIDS is not just a medical battle; it is also a moral one. While we must continue to provide testing, treatment, and medical care, we must equally invest in building the moral foundation that prevents infection in the first place.”
In the view of the Okaikwei North Municipality SHEP Coordinator,
The symposium forms part of activities ahead of the celebration of the World AIDS Day, scheduled for December 1, 2025.
A total of 250 students participated, drawn from Abeka 1 Primary/JHS, Abeka 2 Basic School, Abeka 3 Basic School, Abeka 4 Basic School, St. Charles Lwanga RC Basic School, Answaru-Deen Islamic Basic School, Halid Bun Walid Islamic Basic School, Rene Educational Centre, Harrow International School, and St. Thomas Preparator/Junior High School.
Source: onma.gov.gh
By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson, AD IIB
