BY Daniel Bampoe
The Tutu Akuapem Traditional Council, in collaboration with assembly members of the town, has introduced a new by-law aimed at curbing juvenile delinquency and late-night roaming among schoolchildren.
Effective immediately, parents whose children of school-going age are found roaming the streets of Tutu after 8 p.m. will face a fine of four bags of cement.
The decision, according to community leaders, is part of a broader strategy to instill discipline among the youth and protect them from the growing influence of social vices.
Eugene Asare, Assembly Member for the Tutu Dwuma Electoral Area, revealed that the increasing trend of young people loitering during funerals, social gatherings, and other late-night activities had become a source of worry for the community.
“We have realized that the rate at which children and teenagers move around town late at night is alarming. Some of them have taken to smoking weed and engaging in other harmful activities that can ruin their future. We have no option but to introduce strict measures to safeguard their wellbeing,” he explained.
The by-law, endorsed by the Traditional Council, is expected to serve as a deterrent to parents who fail to monitor the movement of their children.
Authorities believe the penalty of four bags of cement will not only serve as punishment but also contribute to ongoing community development projects.
The announcement coincided with a donation exercise organized by the Tutu Akuapem Credit Union, which distributed exercise books to more than 400 students under its Youth Savings Policy.
The initiative is designed to encourage schoolchildren to save part of their pocket money with the Credit Union.
Alexander Bruce Asare, Manager of the Tutu Akuapem Credit Union, explained that the savings scheme was introduced to instill financial discipline in the youth.
He stressed that many young people spend significant amounts of money on mobile data, call credits, sports betting, and other non-essentials, which could instead be channeled into savings to support their education.
Community leaders have therefore urged parents and guardians to play their part by ensuring their wards stay indoors after 8 p.m. and also cultivate a habit of saving.
The dual approach, they believe, will help shape a generation of disciplined, responsible, and financially independent young people in Tutu Akuapem.
