The WHO Representative to Ghana, Dr. Joaquim Saweka has emphasized that Traditional leaders, especially Chiefs and their Elders have a major responsibility as partners in the dissemination of health information in their communities. Dr. Saweka said the position of chiefs in the traditional set up in Ghana, as he has observed, makes Chiefs potential instruments for effective dissemination of important health information among the rural folks majority of whom do not have access to health information through modern technology. He said Chiefs and their Elders have large following and command so much respect in the Traditional set up in Ghana that their views are highly respected in the country. He has therefore challenged traditional leaders in the country to use this opportunity to fully collaborate with the health sector and fill the health information gap that currently exists among the communities.

The WHO Representative said if Chiefs play this important role by informing and educating their subjects on importance of maternal and child health services, HIV/AIDS, malaria prevention, etc, the morbidity and mortality due to preventable diseases will decrease considerably and funds used on dealing with the consequences of such diseases could be channeled to socio-economic development programmes. Dr. Saweka made the observations when he handed a set of reading materials on important health issues to Osabarima Ansah Sasraku III, Chief of Mamfe and Kyidomhene of Akwapim traditional area when the latter led a delegation to call on him at the office early this year.

Osabarima Ansah Sasraku III and three Elders from Mamfe were at the country office to express their appreciation to the WR and staff for honouring an invitation to participate in the Annual Ohum festival of the Mamfe people which also marked the 10th anniversary of the Osabarima as Chief of the Mamfe area. The WHO Country Office for Ghana had in 8 years past supported the construction of a place of convenience for the people of Mamfe and the meeting at the country office by the Chief and his Elders is seen as another opportunity to renew their cooperation with the WHO for further collaboration and assistance. With the WR to meet the delegation were – Ms Sophia Twum-Barimah, Health Information Officer, Mrs Sakyibea Akufo-Parry, the Administrative Assistant, Mr. Stanley Diamenu, the EPI Focal Point and Mrs. Cynthia Hagan, the Senior Secretary. Osabarima's delegation comprised Mr. Ankobea Yaw Koram, Mr Ankobea Kofi Boadu, and Opanyin Kwasi Manteaw.