Sankore (B/A), March 3, GNA - Mr Isaac Osei, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) at the weekend urged cocoa farmers at Sankore and others in Asunafo South district of Brong-Ahafo to work hard this year to retain its status as the leading cocoa production area in the country.

Mr Osei was addressing a durbar to commission a reconstructed clinic estimated at GH¢126,000 and funded by the Board at Sankore. He noted with concern that the farmers were faced with tremendous difficulties in receiving medical attention but said the provision of the clinic was to ensure quality health care delivery to promote their health status.

Mr. Osei explained that the commissioning of the facility was in line with COCOBOD's resolve to bring quality health care delivery to the door steps of cocoa farmers.

He noted that three out of the four immediate past national best cocoa farmers hailed from Sankore and it was appropriate that the area was rewarded for its contributions to the industry. Mr. Osei said the clinic had the capacity to handle out patients and maternity cases and appealed to the District Assembly and management of the health facility to work to upgrade it. "With time we expect it to be developed further to provide specialized services with the provision of in-patient and theatre facilities," he said.

He said plans were far advanced to provide a similar facility in other cocoa producing districts.

Mr. Osei said the Board would help operate the clinic by providing a borehole, generator and renovate staff quarters for the health staff. Mr. George Yaw Boakye, District Chief Executive, advised the health workers to render quality services to help promote the interest of farmers to use the facility. He advised the people to make proper use of the clinic and adopt the culture of maintenance on the clinic and to increase cocoa production.

Dr. Eric Acolatse, District Director of health service, asked the people to ensure personal hygiene to prevent the outbreak of communicable diseases and to avoid overcrowding of patients at the clinic.

He noted with regret that out of the district's population of 89,521 only 21,000 had registered with the National Health Insurance Scheme and appealed to those who had not registered to do so. Nana Okoyeadea Adu-Sei II, Omanhene of Sankore traditional area, expressed appreciation to the government and the COCOBOD for considering the health status of the people and pledged to collaborate with his people to increase cocoa production. 03 March 08