District Assembly urged to enforce consumption of iodated salt

Donkokrom (E/R), April 24, GNA - District Assemblies have been called upon to enforce the Food and Drug Board Act 543 to ensure regular consumption of iodised salt to reduce the high rate of iodine deficiency among Ghanaians.

Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) is the world's number one known cause of preventable mental retardation especially among children. The National IDD Control Co-ordinator, Mr Jacob Armah made the call at a one-day seminar on iodated salt promotion. Participants came from selected schools, the Ghana Health Service (GHS), the Afram Plains district assembly, National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), and the Afram Plains District Development Organisation an NGO at Donkokrom. Mr Armah urged the district assemblies to form salt idolization committees to enforce the consumption of iodised salt among the communities.

He said in the past decades, iodine disorders have been endemic and severe in 45 districts in the Northern, Upper East, Upper West regions and mountainous areas in Ashanti, Eastern and Volta regions. The Eastern Regional Director of Education, Mrs Ewura Abena Ahwoi, urged the participants to propagate the consumption of iodated salt, especially for the preparation of meals for the children to enhance their intelligent levels. 24 Apr. 04