Twelve farmers in the Upper East Region have died as a result of misapplication of agro-chemicals and 63 have been treated and discharged from hospitals.

Most farmers in the Region use agro-chemicals in storing their food stuff, control of weed and insects and pests on their farms without following prescribed procedures.

Briefing the media the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Mark Woyongo, together with officials from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ghana Health Service, Environmental Protection Agency and the National Disaster Management Organization said results from the Ghana Standard Board confirmed that the victims were poisoned by agro-chemicals through food and water sources.

Mr Woyongo has set up a five-member task force to monitor and control the use of chemicals and anybody caught not following procedure in the sale of agro-chemicals would be made to face the full rigours of the law.

"The take force would inspect licences and certificates of all dealers and salesmen of chemicals," he said.

The Task force would also mount radio discussions to educate farmers and the general public on the procedures and proper use of agro-chemicals.