Ekumfi Gyinankoma (C/R), Sept 8, GNA - Two hundred and forty-four new cases of HIV have been diagnosed in health facilities in the Mfantseman Municipality from January to July this year. Mr Henry Kweku Hayfron, the Municipal Chief Executive, who announced this at a fund-raising forum, organized by the citizens of Ekumfi Gyinankoma, as part of the celebration of their annual Akwanbo festival, said 229 cases were recorded at the end of 2008 as against the 177 filed in 2007.

Mr Hayfron attributed the rise to illicit unprotected sexual practices during festivals, funerals, commercial activities and migrant fishing expeditions in the municipality. He advised the youth against regarding festivals as a period for indulging in sexual practices. "The prospect of this municipality is bleak, if we do not halt the spread of the virus immediately," the MCE stated. Mr Hayfron announced plans by the Assembly to establish an Education Endowment Fund to support brilliant but needy students, and called on the people to give it their maximum support when it is launched.

He said the feeder roads linking the town which were flooded during the recent rains would be rehabilitated as soon as funds were received. Mr George Kuntu Blankson, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Mfantseman East, expressed concern about the dwindling communal spirit of the people and urged the chiefs, assembly members and other opinion leaders to rekindle the spirit to accelerate development. The MP appealed to the people to cultivate the culture of maintenance for the durability of personal and national property. He reiterated the call on parents to invest in the education of their children because it is the best legacy they could bequeath to them.

In a sermon, Mr John Kojo Sam, an official of the University of Cape Coast, appealed to Ghanaians not to feel shy to identify themselves with their home towns, however small they maybe. He pointed out that though nobody had control over where they should hail from they could help to improve upon the conditions there. "It is better to be a big fish in a small water than a small fish in a big water where you might not be recognized," he emphasized.