Regional News of Monday, 27 March 2006

Source: GNA

Mixed reaction in Ahafo-Ano North on eclipse

Tepa (Ash), March 27, GNA - There is a mixed feeling in the Ahafo-Ano North District on the solar eclipse as the day draws near. A survey carried out by the Ghana News Agency at Tepa, the district capital, revealed that many people especially farmers outside the district capital were ignorant of the impending solar eclipse on Wednesday, March 29.

Most of them said they might decide to remain indoors on that day to avoid any misfortune happening to them and their families. Other groups of people, especially drivers, are aware of the event but do not understand why the special eye-protectors are not available at the market for them to buy.

They appealed to the government and the Ministry of Health to make the protectors available at the market at affordable price to enable as many people as possible to buy them.

They urged the mass media especially the FM stations to devote more airtime during the evenings and early mornings to educate the public on the solar eclipse especially what people are expected to do on that day.

A senior public servant described information on the solar eclipse as totally confused in that if Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo and the three Northern regions would not be in the eclipse zone, then the people in these regions must be told to go about their normal duties.

To some the government must declare Wednesday, March 29 public holiday to enable parents to be at home to take care of their children.