Accra, Oct. 2, GNA-Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, Flagbearer of the Convention People's Party (CPP) has said that Municipal Chief Executives and District Chief Executives under his government who do not ensure environmental cleanliness in their communities would be removed. He said environmental cleanliness played a vital role in the socio-economic development of every society and that without it no country would achieve its goals.

Dr Paa Kwesi Ndoum announced these when Add Your Voice Now, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) championing the cause of malaria eradication programme in the country called on him in Accra on Thursday. He said government spent 800 million Ghana cedis fighting the disease annually and that this money could be channelled to other developmental areas if the people had observed hygienic conditions. The CPP Flag bearer said every child would be given a bednet in order to reduce malaria cases. He advised Ghanaians to keep their environment clean by clearing weeds, surrounding and choked gutters as part of measures to reducing the incidence of malaria.

The NGO also called on Mr. John Mahama, Running Mate of the Flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) who thanked the organisation for their laudable idea and called on Ghanaians to support the programme.

He said the issue of malaria eradication should not be the sole responsibility of the government, but all. Mr Mahama appealed to pregnant women to always ensure that they used the treated mosquito nets, which was the safest way of avoiding the disease.

Miss Joyce Aryee, Chief Executive of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, who also gave audience to the NGO said the success of the malaria eradication programme required the efforts of all Ghanaians and appealed to adults to educate the youth on how to live in a malaria-free environment.

Mr. Kwabena Osei-Bonsu, Chief Executive of the NGO who led the delegation, said malaria infection in pregnant women is associated with the high rate of maternal mortality. He said, while the mechanism was poorly understood, pregnant women have a reduced immunity and therefore prone to malaria infection. Mr Osei-Bonsu called for support for the organization to enable it achieve its avowed aims.