Twelve die after poisonous food

Accra, Ghana (PANA) - Twelve farmers in the Upper East Region have died after eating foodstuff preserved with pesticides and herbicides.

Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Mark Woyongo, said on Friday 63 others had been treated and discharged from hospitals.

Many farmers in the Region use agro-chemicals in storing their food stuff, control of weed and insects and pests on their farms without following prescribed procedures.

Mr Woyongo announced the setting up a five-member task force to monitor and control the use of chemicals and anybody caught not following procedure in the sale of agro-chemicals would be made to face the full rigours of the law.

"The task force would inspect licences and certificates of all dealers and salesmen of chemicals," he said.

The task force would also mount radio discussions to educate farmers and the general public on the proper use of agro-chemicals.
-0- PANA MA 4Dec2010