Cape Coast(C/R), Aug. 20, GNA - Dr. Charles Ntiamoah Takyi, Central Regional Deputy Director of Health Services in-charge of Clinical Care Division, at the weekend said smoking was one of the most destructive habits which society must endeavour to avoid.

He therefore, called on Parliament and the Government to heed advice by medical experts and other stakeholders to abolish the manufacturing of all types of tobacco and cigarettes in the country. Dr Takyi made the call when interacting with newsmen at his office in Cape Coast.

He pointed out that notwithstanding the contributions to the economy by cigarette manufacturers annually, the damage caused by smoking on the citizenry could not be quantified in terms of monetary gains.

Dr Takyi cautioned smokers to eschew the habit that had adverse effect on their health as well as others in the society. The Gomoa-Akyempim Traditional Council, has conferred Nana Osafo Takyi I, Ayaresahene of Gomoa State on Dr Takyi for excellent performance during his 20 years stay in the Gomoa district.

He described the honour as "Wonderful and highly inspiring one" and expressed appreciation to the Chiefs and people in Gomoa district. "I will forever remember the gesture, and use it as a major spring board to provide similar services to people within the Cape Coast Municipality and the entire nation during the rest of my working period in the civil service".

Dr. Takyi advised social clubs and organizations in the Gomoa District to undertake weekly or monthly clean-up exercises to improve environmental sanitation and in addition rid the area of mosquitoes.