Accra, Dec. 15, GNA - The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) on Monday cautioned Ghanaians against road accidents and over indulgence in alcohol to enable them to survive and enjoy many more Christmas and New Years.

A Christmas and a New Year message signed by the GMA President, Professor Yaw Adu-Gyamfi said road accidents had always been at the high side during Christmas periods when people drink a lot of alcohol to impair their judgement.

The message said there were many skeletal remains of vehicles that did not complete their journeys whilst hospitals also continued to receive increasing numbers of road accidents victims.

"This is stretching the already stretched human and material resources in the healthcare delivery system".

The message said it was estimated that at least, five million Ghanaians consume 36 million litres of 'akpeteshie' one million litres of gin, about 15 million cartons of beer and un-quantifiable quantities of palm wine and 'pito' every year.

It said "alcohol, hard drugs, smoking and poor diet were seriously affecting the health of many Ghanaians and as we celebrate Christmas and New year, GMA wishes to urge all to resolve to reduce their alcohol consumption, stop smoking and take the battle against HIV/AIDS more seriously in the in coming year." 15 Dec. 03