In its quest to complement government’s effort, the Juvenile Reform Foundation, JRF-Ghana, has launched its charity concert to support released juvenile offenders and incarcerated juvenile inmates in the various correctional centers in Ghana.
The launch, which attracted hundreds of patrons, took place on Saturday, July 9, 2017 in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.
[contextly_sidebar id=”rjm1DpsGeW84PMloMgfcSKPozuts9SDD”]The concert, dubbed ‘OUR FUTURE’, will take off during the last quarter of 2017, and will be held three times annually in three different regions.
The funds to be generated from the concert will cater specifically for the technical and vocational training, formal education and the general welfare of juvenile offenders; both released and incarcerated as well as vulnerable children in society.
The concert will be used to sensitise the public on the consequences associated with juvenile crimes.
Gospel musician and JRF-Ghana Brand Ambassador, Mary Agyemang, Philip Acheampong, Asiedu Brobbey Charles a.k.a ‘ABC’, and other musicians, thrilled patrons with electrifying performances.
The Executive Director of JRF-Ghana, Geoffrey Chaucer Ofori, said majority of the young offenders pick up habits such as smoking, bullying and homosexuality from these facilities which have the tendency to further waste their lives.
Geoffrey Chaucer Ofori advised Ghanaians to embrace young offenders when they are released from correctional facilities, saying discriminating against them will only lead force them back into such crimes.
He suggested to judges to tamper justice with mercy when dealing with juvenile offenders, arguing that majority of them are unconscious of their actions.
Geoffrey Chaucer Ofori called on religious organizations, corporate bodies, individuals and philanthropists, to support JRF-Ghana to turn the lives of these young offenders around.
On her part, the JRF-Ghana Brand Ambassador called on Ghanaians to help the foundation fight against juvenile crime and violence in the country.
Rev Emmanuel Forson, Head Pastor of Refreshing Pastures, who was the keynote speaker at the event, indicated that juveniles who enter correctional facilities could be rescued if parents act responsibly.
“Children will not fall into wrong hands outside their homes if parents spend quality with their wards” he stated.
JRF-Ghana is an independent, non-governmental organisation that is concerned with tackling and stemming juvenile crime and violence in Ghana.
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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana