Accra, Dec. 28, GNA- Major Courage Quashigah (Rtd), Minister of Health on Friday advised Ghanaians to use the Christmas festivities to clean the environment of filth, adding that, "Cleanliness is next to godliness".

Addressing the staff of the Ministry at their end of year get-together, the Health Minister expressed his worry about the filth that was engulfing the nation, especially the cities and urged all and sundry to use the occasion to clean their environment and ensure cleanliness.

He reminded them of their eating habits during these festivities and urged them to eat well, having enough rest and exercise their body by way of dancing to rejuvenate it.

Major Quashigah urged them to be time conscious and change their attitude towards work in the coming year, by being punctual and hardworking for the betterment of the nation.

"In everything that you do, you should put yourself into it and do it well to the best of your ability and you will be rewarded for that, since such hard working people do not go unnoticed", he added. The Minister who is a sportsman, musician and politician, treated the gathering to some irresistible highlife songs backed by the Fire Service Band, which the people danced to.

Dr E.N. Mensah, retired Director-General of then Health Services now the Ghana Health Services, who was the guest of honour, advised the staff to discharge their duties with high sense of discipline and punctuality, which is the hall mark of the ministry. Lepuruwa M.N. Jawula, Chief Director of the Ministry, also reiterated the need for the staff to show more dedication and discipline to work "as we enter into a new year".

Two retired personalities, Dr Kofi Ahmed, Chief Medical Officer and Mr George Agyemfra of the Traditional Alternative Medicine Division of the Ministry were rewarded for their long services to the Ministry. They were given a double-door refrigerator and microwave each by the Ministry in appreciation for their hard work. Hard working junior staff who had distinguished themselves were awarded with cash prizes.

Renowned musicians such as Papa Yankson and Abrantie Amakye Dede were present to grace the occasion.