<<Print>>

Mr Mark Woyongo, Upper East Regional Minister on Wednesday stressed the need for the government to equip the hospitals and other allied bodies who rendered humanitarian services to victims during times of disaster. He said hospitals were among the first point of call when disaster occurred and that it was incumbent on humanity to ensure that they remained a safe haven no matter the circumstance. Mr Woyongo was speaking during the celebration of the International Day for Disaster Reduction at Bolgatanga on the theme; "Hospitals Save from Disaster'. The celebration was marked with a street march by school children through principal streets of the Bolgatanga Municipality carrying placards which read "Disaster impede development," "Plant a tree to save nature," "Stop indiscriminate felling of trees" and "Bush burning causes global warming". Mr Woyongo commended Action Aid for organising the celebration and supporting many development projects in the region. He pledged the unflinching support of government for the success of the programmes and projects geared towards poverty alleviation. Dr Koku Awoonor-Williams, Regional Director of Health Services, urged all to mitigate the effect of natural disaster related diseases and epidemic, as well as prevent and control man-made disasters. He called for measures to keep the region free from poor sanitary practices that led to flood and diseases and maintain discipline on the roads to prevent road accidents. He urged the public to adopt positive lifestyles so as to prevent disaster in the society and in one's personal life.