Kufuor directs Minister to submit report on guinea-worm situation

Sunyani (B/A), Jan. 16, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor has directed the Health Minister to submit to him a report on the guinea worm infestation situation in the Brong-Ahafo Region.

The Government, he said, was quite surprised to learn about the increasing incidence of the disease, which is water borne, despite the fact that, delivery of potable water to the Region has since the year, 2001, increased from 19 per cent coverage to 51 per cent.

"This should normally have reduced any incidence of guinea worm infestation significantly. So, it is amazing that this disease is said to be rising", President Kufuor said.

"Perhaps, past data must be reviewed to establish its genuineness", he said, in his opening address at this year's People's Assembly dubbed 93Jubilee People's Assembly" at the packed-to-capacity Christ the King Catholic Parish Hall in Sunyani, on Tuesday.

The theme for the Assembly was 93Ghana @ 50: Past, Present and the Future".

The People's Assembly is an initiative by President Kufuor to provide an opportunity for t he citizens to have face-to-face interaction with their elected leader.

President Kufuor, whose address covered a wide range of issues including the economy; chieftaincy; law and order; education; the nation's 50th anniversary celebration of political independence and health, pledged that there would be no let up in the fight against the spread of the HIV-AIDS pandemic in the country.

He stated that the Government was not satisfied with the 2.7 per cent prevalence rate of the disease, saying; 93this has to come down".

On the law and order situation, President Kufuor, said they were determined to ensure the safety of life and property of all within the society.

In addition, Ghana would not only live in harmony with her neighbours and development partners but would also work assiduously towards achieving global peace.

Among those present were the First Lady, Theresa, Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama; Members of the Council of State; some senior Government Ministers including the Health Minister, Major Courage Quashigah (rtd); Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chief of Staff, Mr Kwadwo Mpiani; Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo; Minister of Foreign Affairs; Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, Defence Minister, and Mr Albert Kan-Dapaah, Minister of the Interior.

Others were Papa Owusu-Ankomah, Minister of Education, Science and Sports; Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing; Mr Joe Ghartey, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice; Professor Ameyaw Akumfi, Minister of Harbours and Railways, Hajia Alima Mahama, Minister of Women and Children's Affairs, and Mrs Gladys Asmah, Minister of Fisheries.

Some Members of Parliament (MPs), Traditional Rulers, Members of the Diplomatic Corps; District Chief Executives and the Clergy were also present.