Ahafo-ano north: Mr. Akwasi Adu Poku, District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ahafo-Ano North in Ashanti, has called on Ghanaians to protect the country's culture by ensuring it is not destroyed by foreign influences. He highlighted the increasing negative attitudes among some youth, which have led to cases of armed robberies, rape, and general lawlessness. He stressed the importance of revitalizing aspects of the nation's culture to restore order in society.
According to Ghana Web, Mr. Adu Poku made these remarks during a weekend workshop organized by the Centre for National Culture (CNC) for Queenmothers from the District at Tepa. The workshop, attended by about 50 Queenmothers, aimed to educate them on reintroducing "Bragro" (Puberty Rites) as a means of curbing the incidence of HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancies. Mr. Adu Poku emphasized the need to revive relevant cultural practices to bring sanity back into society.
He pointed out that customary rites, which have been neglected in favor of adopting Western marriage styles, have contributed to high rates of abortion, teenage pregnancies, and HIV/AIDS. Mr. S.F. Adjei, the Deputy Ashanti Regional Director of the Centre, outlined some virtues of cultural practices and noted that "Bragro" could significantly help control the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Nana Yaa Abrafi, Queenmother of the Manfo Traditional Area, urged the District Assembly to enact bye-laws to support traditional rulers in enforcing these practices.