Agona Otsekorang, June 10, GNA - The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) is to continue to offer the necessary assistance to meet the health needs of cocoa farmers operating in the remote areas of the country. Mr Isaac Osei, Chief Executive of COCOBOD, who made the pledge on Saturday, said apart from the Board's contribution to the education of wards of cocoa farmers, it was also firmly focusing on the health needs of the farmers and their dependants.

He was speaking at a health walk and medical outreach programme organized for over 1,000 farmers in Agona Otsekorang and surrounding communities in the Swedru District of the Central Region. The programme forms part of activities being held to celebrate the Board's 60th anniversary. COCOBOD was established in 1947. Mr Osei said the Board had plans to construct two clinics, while work on a health facility for the Sankore community would be completed and handed over soon.

He used the occasion to advise farmers to adopt good agronomy practices in order to ensure the premium quality of the cocoa beans, for which the country was highly rated.

Mr Ben Mensah, District Chief Executive for Agona, urged the farmers to take advantage of the National Health Insurance Scheme instituted by government to meet their health needs. He said through the payment of the yearly premium, farmers and their children could be treated for various sicknesses free of charge. Members of the community were examined for symptoms of diabetes, hypertension, and hepatitis B. There were weight checks and eye checks. Dr Victor Osei, Director of the Cocoa Clinic asked the community members to undertake regular check-ups to stay healthy. 10 June 07