Dadieso (W/R), Oct.19, GNA - Swarms of small black insects that bite and suck human blood are said to have descended on many communities in the Aowin-Suaman district causing a lot of anxiety among the people. The bites of the insects cause severe irritation and discomfort, making one to lose concentration in what one is engaged in, Opanin Kofi Kyeremeh a farmer told the Ghana News Agency at Dadieso on Thursday. The situation is affecting social and economic activities of the people of the affected communities, including farming and teaching and learning, especially in remote parts of the district.

The worse affected areas are Kwasuo, Sui-Ano, Kwasikro, Karlo, Susan, Akontombra-Nkwanta, Adonikro, Ameyawkrom, Adiepena and Nyamedoma. Believed to have been hatched by the leaves of two tree species, Odum and Nyankyerene, the insects, known as "Nnodowa" in Akan, have become nuisance and it is feared that they could cause health problems in the area if not checked immediately, Opanin Kyeremeh said. Farmers have been compelled to wear long-sleeve shirts and trousers to protect themselves from the insects.

Madam Adwoa Mansah said even though the insects existed in some parts of the district, the tremendous increase in their numbers over the past few days had become a source of great concern to the people and called for immediate assistance from the Ministry of Health to eradicate the insects.