Tamale, Feb 15, GNA – The National Youth Authority (NYA) in the Northern Region has engaged some youth groups and students of second cycle institutions in the region to mark this year’s Valentine’s Day. 

     It was to help address some misconceptions about the Day and the need for the youth to channel their energy into productive ventures. 

     Mr Mumuni Sulemana, Northern Regional Director of NYA, speaking during the event in Tamale, said it was also to sensitise the youth to take advantage of the various interventions by stakeholders to achieve their goals. 

     He noted that Valentine’s Day was not meant for immoral activities but to celebrate togetherness and explore avenues necessary to making society a better place to coexist. 

     Mrs Blessilla Na- Afoe Kandoh, Youth Advocacy and Campaigns Coordinator of Norsaac, a non- governmental organisation, called for empowerment of the youth to minimise all forms of gender-based violence and to increase their chances of becoming responsible citizens. 

     She urged the youth to lead the change that they wanted to see in society by eschewing all forms of violence. 

     She said, « You must desist from all forms of violence by being responsible, and use all available means to express your reservations without being violent and abusive. » 

     Mrs Miriam Bonah, Adolescent Focal Person at the Tamale Central Hospital urged the youth to desist from all forms of immoral acts by channelling their time into acquiring skills that would better prepare them for the future. 

     She urged the youth to approach the necessary institutions that would equip them with information about gender-based violence, sexually transmitted infections and the proper use of contraceptives to protect them against teenage pregnancies.  

     Miss Modesta Ackah, a student of Ghana Senior High School, commended  NYA and partners for organising the event, saying it had helped to clarify misconceptions about the Valentine’s Day and the need to be responsible.