Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin has called for a law that would freeze the salaries of parents who have abandoned their children and shirked their parenting responsibilities.
He proposes that the seized salaries be used by the state to support the education and upkeep of the neglected children.
Speaking at the 2024 Ohum Kan Festival durbar in Kyebi, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin expressed concern over the increasing number of parents who desert their children after birth.
He emphasized that such a law would instil a sense of responsible parenting and help reduce streetism and juvenile delinquency, ensuring the safety of these innocent children.
“You give birth in your community and abscond to a different town to work without providing for your children. That is irresponsible. The state should be able to freeze your salary or whatever you earn and use it to take care of the child. You will work, but your salary will go to the children you have deserted,” he stated.
The Okyenhene urged parents to take responsibility for the welfare and safety of their children to create a safer and more peaceful community. He warned that neglected children might grow up to cause problems for society if not properly cared for.
Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin also addressed reports of some teaching and non-teaching staff at various Senior High Schools sabotaging the Free SHS policy.
He accused some staff members of stealing food items meant for the students, creating food shortages in schools, and then mocking the quality of the food.
“The State is struggling to ensure that every Ghanaian child gets some basic education for free. You steal food items meant for these innocent children and create a shortage of food in the schools.”
“Then you have the guts to video the food being served in the school and mock its quality. Have you forgotten you stole the stuff? You don’t have shame,” Osagyefuo questioned.
The Okyenhene called on Ghanaians to rekindle the spirit of patriotism and love for their country.
He admonished the youth to avoid drug abuse, particularly substances like tramadol, and to live a respectable lifestyle.
He urged the police to aggressively pursue drug pushers and prosecute them, stressing the severe consequences their activities have on the youth and even the elderly.
This year’s Ohum festival coincides with Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin’s 25th anniversary on the Ofori Panin Stool.
The Ohum festival reflects the core Akan belief in the unity of life of the dead, the living, and the yet unborn.
It symbolizes balance, moderation, and regeneration, contributing to the struggle for ecological integrity essential for the sustenance of humanity.
The two-week observance of no drumming and no digging of the earth provides a solemn period for deep reflection on past challenges, current conditions, and plans for a rehabilitated future.
Symbolically, the festival marks the regeneration of the Mmerekensono tree at the banks of the Birim River, representing the unity of life and ecological harmony.