The Ashaiman Divisional Crime Officer of the Ghana Police Service, Rev. Superintendent John Agbemabiase, has attributed the increasing rate of youth misconduct in the municipality to parental neglect — particularly by fathers.

Speaking at a musical festival organised by the Mount Garrison Prayer Ministry, where he also serves as General Overseer, Rev. Superintendent Agbemabiase emphasised that the trend poses a growing threat to community safety and moral development.

He called for collective action on the part of parents, faith leaders, and community members to guide the youth toward responsible and productive lives.

Citing statistics from the Divisional Police Command, he revealed that in most cases involving youth-related offences, only mothers are actively following up with police investigations, while many fathers remain disengaged.

He described this as a worrying development that weakens family influence and accountability.

“When fathers abandon their roles, children are left without proper guidance or discipline.

We need a united front to correct this,” Rev. Superintendent Agbemabiase stressed.

The musical festival, which brought together several youth groups, was designed to use music as a tool for moral education and positive engagement, encouraging young people to make responsible choices in their personal and social lives.

Gospel musician Patience Zida, who performed at the event, echoed the officer’s sentiments, urging young women to be cautious in relationships and avoid situations that could lead to broken homes or neglect.

Adding his voice, Apostle Daniel Alormenu, Founder of the Mountain of Transfiguration Church, advised gospel musicians to stay spiritually grounded and prayerful, noting that their influence through music could play a crucial role in shaping youth behaviour.