Sefwi Wiawso (Western Region) 14 January 2002 - A suitable health insurance scheme would be introduced to replace the cash and carry system after a series of fora in February this year, Dr Richard Kwaku Afriyie, Minister of Health has announced.

He said the fora would be held in Tamale, Sunyani, Kumasi, Sekondi and Accra to decide on the appropriate health insurance scheme suitable for the country to replace the cash and carry system.

Dr Afriyie was answering questions at separate people's assemblies organised by the Enchi, Juaboso, Bibiani, Sefwi Wiawso and Asankrangwa districts in the Western Region. He hinted that the Juabo Health Centre would be equipped and upgraded to a hospital to meet the increasing health needs of the people.

Mr Joseph B.Aidoo, Western Regional Minister said contract for the rehabilitation of the Bonsu Nkwanta road had been terminated because the contractor failed to begin work on time. He said it would, however, be re-awarded to facilitate movement of goods and people from the northern parts of the region, he added.

Mr Aidoo appealed to Ghanaians to exercise restraint to enable the government to implement its developmental programmes. The assemblies were well attended and many people praised the government for the opportunity and appealed that such activities be organised regularlyto provide government with feedback from the people on its policies and programmes.

Also at the fora were Dr Paa Kwasi Nduom, Minister for Economic Planning and Regional Integration, Mr J. B. Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, Ms Grace Coleman, Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr Peter Mc Manu Western Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party and some regional executives.