Aboadze (W/R), July 24, GNA - Health problems in many communities are the result of the people's failure to observe basic safety and healthy environmental practices, Madam Sophia Horner-Sam, Deputy Western Regional Minister has observed.

She has therefore urged the people to reverse the trend by practicing elementary hygiene to promote good health in their communities.

Madam Honner-Sam was addressing a durbar of workers of Takoradi International Company (TICO) an energy producing company, and Volta River Authority (VRA) at their annual health, safety and environmental week cerebration at Aboadze on Saturday.

Chiefs and other opinion leaders from nearby communities of Shama, Abuesi, Dwomo, Nchaban attended the cerebration, which was on the theme: "Safety and clean environment promote health". Madam Horner-Sam commended employees and management of TICO for recording no accident or injury since the past 1,000 days. She praised TICO for the support and promotion of its green earth campaign aimed and ensuring cleaner and healthier environment for the communities in its area of operation.

"It is clear that if we want to live as a healthy people and enjoy quality air, food and water, then we will have to protect the environment and nurture the trees to save us", she said.

Madam Horner-Sam emphasised the need for the people to register and pay their premiums to ensure that the National Health Insurance Scheme succeeded to bring quality health care delivery to all. Marshall Pendergrass, General Manager of TICO said the company adopted a strategic and conscious plan to maintain and internationally acceptable standards in health, environment and safety for workers and the communities in which it operated.

Activities for the weeklong cerebration include cleanup exercises, safety quiz competitions and health talks. Madam Irene Heathcote, Acting Regional Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), who presided, said safe and clean environment was basic for man's survival. Nana Kwaku Binah, Omanhene of Shama traditional area commended TICO for its assistance to the various communities, which he said, had improved the lot of the people.

There were fraternal messages from the Ghana Red Cross Society, the Ghana National Road Safety Commission, the Ghana National Fire Service and the Factories Inspectorate.