NGOs found misapplying GARFUND to be prosecuted

Koforidua, May 26, GNA- The Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Gustav Narh-Dometey on Tuesday warned that organisations found misapplying the Ghana AIDS Commission (GARFUND) funds provided them for anti HIV/AIDS campaign would be prosecuted.

He gave the warning at the opening of a two-day workshop for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) involved in HIV/AIDS campaign in the Eastern Region at Koforidua.

Mr Narh-Dometey called on the Regional AIDS Committee to improve upon its monitoring exercise of agencies, which benefited from the GARFUND and expose the bad nuts among them.

He assured the participants that the government is committed to its policy to support institutions, individuals and communities making efforts directed at preventing and controlling the spread of the disease.

Mr Narh-Dometey said about 90 per cent of all infected people in the country are between 15 to 49 years and that it is a worry to government because it indicates that the bulk of the country's labour force is at risk.

The Eastern Regional Co-ordinator of HIV/AIDS, Dr Sampson B. Ofori said the 2003 survey in the region indicated that figures for New Juaben Municipality dropped from 8.5 per cent in 2002 to 2.6 per cent last year.

He explained that this could not logically be explained. Dr Ofori however said records from hospitals and clinics in the Municipality between January and March has not changed but did not state the figures.

The Eastern Regional Focal Person on HIV/AIDS, Ms Golda Asante, called on the NGOs to involve the District Assemblies in their activities by submitting their work plan and programmes to the District Focal Persons.

The Acting Chairman of the Regional Aids Committee, Nene Narh Ologo Dawutey IV advised organisations, which joined the crusade against the HIV/AIDS because of personal gains, to turn over a new leaf.