A Traditional ruler on Wednesday suggested that government should authorise the sale of condoms at public places including drinking bars.

This, he explained, would enable the majority of the rural folks to have access to them at the grassroots as part of measures to prevent the spread of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency at Koforidua, Otafregya Agyemang Kumaning II, Chief of Kyebi-Afiesa, said a survey he conducted in the East Akyem District, showed that about 70 per cent of towns and communities were without drug stores where condoms could be sold.

"Unlike other drugs which may be dispensed by a Pharmacist or a trained person, condoms could be sold by any interested person," he added.

The chief said the survey revealed that most communities with between 50 and 100 people had at least a drinking spot or an akpeteshie bar.

"In this connection, releasing condoms for sale through drinking spots in the rural areas would go a long way to encourage the people to patronise their use in order to check the spread of the HIV/AIDS disease," he stressed.