Fishermen urged to institute "susu" scheme

Kormantse(C/R), Sept. 11, GNA - Nana Kwame Akyem II, Chief of Kormantse in the Central Region has advised chief fishermen to institute a "susu" scheme for fishermen to cushion them against the hardships they face during the lean season.

He said such savings could alleviate the difficulties their wives go through in feeding and providing the needs of their families during the off fishing season and during periods that they migrate to engage in fishing elsewhere.

Nana Akyem made the suggestion at an HIV/AIDS workshop organised by Fed Kastle Promotions, a Saltpond based non-governmental organisation, with funds provided by the Ghana AIDS Response Fund (GARFund) at Kormantse, a fishing community, near Saltpond on Tuesday.

He said reports from health institutions, which indicated that HIV/AIDS was spreading at a fast rate in fishing communities should be a concern for all to find ways of reducing poverty and to eliminating other factors that promote immorality among people living along the coast.

Mr. Francis Ejaku Donkoh, Executive Director of Fed Kastle Promotions urged politicians to devote part of their vote canvassing time to educate the people on the threat the disease poses to the survival of mankind.

Mr Ejaku Donkoh, who is also Assemblyman for Saltpond Nkubem urged the youth to lead the crusade against the pandemic and exhorted them to refrain from pre-marital sex.

Miss Christine Antor, Principal Nursing Officer, who spoke on the mode of infection, prevention and management of the disease cautioned women against drinking and demanding favours from men who are not close relatives.

Two members of the Mfantseman District Assembly, Miss Maa-Kyere Wilson and Mr. D.D. Anaman both gave the assurance that they would work towards eliminating some customary practices that promote sexual promiscuity.