The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Krachi East in the Oti Region, Sarfo Nketiah, has issued a firm warning to students and residents against the misuse of insecticide-treated mosquito nets distributed under government-supported public health interventions.
He stressed that the nets are strictly meant for preventing malaria and must not be diverted for activities such as fishing in rivers and streams or protecting seedlings and crops in farm gardens.
The MCE delivered the caution during a mosquito net distribution exercise organised by the Krachi Municipal Assembly in collaboration with the Municipal Education Service.
Addressing students, teachers, and local officials, he emphasised that the distribution is part of a deliberate effort to protect communities from malaria, a disease that continues to affect household wellbeing, school attendance, and overall productivity.
“Mosquito nets are meant for sleeping and preventing mosquito bites,” Sarfo Nketiah stated, adding that any alternative use defeats the purpose of national malaria control programmes.
He expressed concern that some beneficiaries have developed the habit of repurposing the nets for fishing or gardening, practices he described as unacceptable and harmful to both public health and the environment.
Mr. Nketiah warned that students and parents found using government-distributed nets for fishing or farming-related activities could face arrest and prosecution.
He explained that misuse of treated nets not only deprives families of protection against malaria but also creates wider environmental risks. When used in water bodies, the nets can trap and destroy fingerlings and other aquatic life, threatening biodiversity and livelihoods dependent on fishing.
He added that using the nets on farms reduces their availability for the intended purpose, thereby weakening community-wide malaria prevention efforts.
The MCE called on school authorities, parents, and guardians to support the initiative by monitoring how the nets are used and ensuring students understand their importance.
He also urged teachers and education officials to strengthen basic health education in schools, particularly on malaria prevention, so students learn not only how to hang and use the nets, but also why consistent use is critical—especially during peak mosquito seasons.
The distribution forms part of a broader government strategy to reduce malaria infections nationwide.
Health officials have repeatedly emphasised that regular use of insecticide-treated nets, improved sanitation, and early treatment remain among the most effective and affordable measures for reducing malaria-related illness.
In many communities, malaria contributes significantly to school absenteeism and avoidable healthcare expenses for families.
Health officials present at the event reiterated that the nets were provided to protect students and their households and to improve health outcomes across the municipality.
They advised beneficiaries to treat the distribution as a life-saving intervention rather than a one-time giveaway by hanging the nets properly, sleeping under them consistently, and maintaining them well to ensure durability and effectiveness.
Students who received the nets expressed appreciation to the MCE and the government for the support, noting that the intervention would help reduce malaria cases in the area.
They pledged to use the nets responsibly for their intended purpose and avoid activities such as fishing and farming that undermine the public health goals of the programme.
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