The Wenchi West District of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church (SDA) in the Mid-West Ghana Conference of the Bono Region recently held a significant ceremony to honor 20 young girls for their commitment to preserving their virginity.
This special event took place during a thanksgiving service organized to mark the first Sabbath Day of the year at the Wenchi SDA Church, where community members gathered to celebrate the achievements of these exemplary youths.
The young honorees, aged between 13 and 16, received undisclosed sums of money as tokens of appreciation for their adherence to chastity and moral values. This recognition was part of the church’s broader efforts to encourage young girls to uphold purity and embrace principles that align with their faith. The gesture was not only meant to reward the girls for their choices but also to motivate others within the community to follow in their footsteps.
Mrs. Nana Amponsah Poku, the District Coordinator of the Young Adventist Women Ministries, addressed the gathering and praised the girls for their exemplary behavior. She described them as role models for their peers and emphasized the importance of maintaining their values. Mrs. Poku reminded the honorees of the unique value and beauty that God has endowed upon them, urging them to preserve their virginity until marriage. “God created you uniquely beautiful, and you must not allow anybody to lure and break your virginity until you marry,” she advised.
In addition to this heartfelt message, Mrs. Poku cautioned the girls to be selective in their friendships. She emphasized that the company they keep could significantly impact their decisions and character development. “Be careful about the friends you choose in 2025. Surround yourself with individuals who encourage you to stay true to your values and support your growth,” she advised, highlighting the potential influence of peer pressure on young people’s lives.
Mrs. Poku also called for a return to traditional practices that safeguarded the morality and well-being of young girls in the past. She highlighted the importance of puberty rites, such as the Bragoro or Dipo ceremonies, which were designed to protect girls from promiscuity and guide them toward responsible adulthood. According to her, these cultural practices could help address the increasing rates of teenage pregnancies and moral decay among young people in contemporary society. “The ancient Bragoro or Dipo rite was very essential in preserving girls’ virginity and controlling teenage pregnancies that can be detrimental to the growth and development of young girls and women,” she stated.
The event also featured a speech from Pastor Andrews Dua Bour Kyere, the Associate Pastor of the Wenchi West District of the SDA Church. Pastor Kyere commended the honorees for their dedication to purity and encouraged other young girls in the congregation to emulate their example. He underscored the significance of education in the lives of young women, urging the girls to focus on their studies while maintaining their moral integrity. He emphasized that their commitment to purity and discipline would not only benefit them personally but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. “Your choices today will shape your future and the future of your community,” he noted.
The recognition ceremony resonated deeply with the honorees, who expressed their gratitude to the church for its support and acknowledgment of their efforts. Several of the girls described the honor as a source of motivation to remain steadfast in their values. They thanked the Young Adventist Women Ministries for providing guidance and mentorship, which they credited for shaping their spiritual and moral growth. One of the honorees shared, “I am very grateful for this recognition. It motivates me to continue living according to my values and to inspire others to do the same.”
The Wenchi West District of the SDA Church has consistently demonstrated its commitment to nurturing the spiritual, moral, and personal development of its members, particularly the youth. The recognition of these 20 girls is a testament to the church’s dedication to instilling positive values and fostering an environment where young people can thrive. The initiative also sends a powerful message to the broader community about the importance of celebrating and promoting good behavior.
By honoring the honorees for their resolve and adherence to purity, the church is creating a culture that values discipline, integrity, and respect for moral principles. This recognition serves as an inspiration to other young individuals in the church and beyond, encouraging them to uphold similar values in their own lives.
As the year progresses, the Wenchi West District of the SDA Church plans to continue its efforts to empower the younger generation through mentorship, education, and spiritual guidance. The church firmly believes in the potential of young people to drive positive change in society when equipped with the right values and tools.
The thanksgiving service, which attracted members from various parts of the district, was marked by fervent prayers, uplifting hymns, and messages of hope and encouragement. The event symbolized a renewed commitment by the church to uphold the principles of faith, morality, and community support. Through initiatives like this, the SDA Church not only reinforces its role as a spiritual institution but also as a pillar of moral and social guidance within the community.
The recognition of these girls serves as a reminder that small acts of acknowledgment can have a lasting impact on shaping character and inspiring excellence. In conclusion, the Wenchi West District of the SDA Church hopes that this event will serve as a catalyst for positive change, encouraging more young people to embrace the values of purity, discipline, and responsibility. By nurturing and supporting the youth, the church is building a foundation for a brighter and more morally upright future, one that reflects the teachings of their faith and promotes the well-being of the community as a whole.
