Wa, June 23, GNA - Ghanaians have been called upon to rekindle communal spirit to address the poor sanitation challenges confronting many communities nationwide.

Mr Paul Enyam, leader of the "Yaw Bode Concert Group", who made the call on Sunday in Wa, said poor sanitary and environmental conditions have led to the break-out of malaria resulting in the death of many Ghanaians, especially children. He described as worrying, the situation where food sellers prepare their foods under un-hygienic conditions, without due regard to their surroundings. Mr Enyam said about 90 per cent of the diseases emanate from poor sanitary and environmental conditions, which could be prevented or reduced if the people were committed to communal labour to clean their surroundings.

He said the Yaw Bode Concert Group, has began a nationwide campaign tour to educate people on sanitation and health. He mentioned the National Health Insurance and the National Youth Employment Programme as some of the policies that would be explained to Ghanaians during the tour. Mr Enyam called on food sellers not to be driven by profit always, but ought to show concern about the health of those who buy and eat their food. "You must be seen helping to promote the good health of your customers and not help kill them with food infested with germs," he said. Mr Enyam said excessive alcohol intake must be avoided because it was dangerous to human health adding: "Let us listen to health workers and adopt preventive methods to keep our lives secured from common diseases". He called on parents to take interest in their children's health by ensuring that, they always washed their hands properly before they ate. The Concert Group staged a performance in Wa on sanitation that did not only attract a large number audience, but also caught the hearts and minds of many giving positive comments with pledges to keep their surroundings clean. 23 June 08