Kumasi, May 4, GNA - The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), in collaboration with the Ghana Cleft Foundation, had begun free cleft lip and palate treatment for more than 200 children with these deformities.

The beneficiaries are drawn from the Northern, Brong-Ahafo, Eastern and Ashanti Regions.

Dr Solomon Obiri Yeboah, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at KATH, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the four-day exercise would correct the congenital malformation that had resulted in some children having their lips developed in halves.

Cleft palate occurs in the throat and surgery could be performed when the child is aged between nine months and one year depending on its health and weight.

Madam Lucy Amoateng, Dental Surgeon Assistant at KATH, advised parents of children with such conditions not to hide them. They should also not blame this on evil spirits or a curse. "The condition can be repaired", she said, and urged parents to seek medical treatment.

Priscilla Igbokwa, mother of six-year-old Abigail, who has palate in the throat said she was relieved that her daughter would soon be able to eat and drink without problems.