Takoradi: Communities in the Western Region have been urged to clean their surroundings to prevent an increase in suspected cholera cases with the onset of the rains. Mr. Oliver Cromwell, the Western Regional Director of the Environmental Health Directorate, emphasized that the main culprits behind cholera outbreaks are choked gutters, filth, and the improper disposal of sewage in drains.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Cromwell appealed to flood-prone communities to desilt gutters and prevent sewage waste from entering these waterways to curb the outbreak and spread of waterborne diseases. During the first quarter Public Health Emergency Management Committee Meeting, it was revealed that many affected individuals had consumed food from joints that were near unsanitary conditions. Food vendors were found to be preparing meals alongside gutters and selling close to open drains.
Committee members also highlighted concerns about the Jubilee Market, describing it as a potential breeding ground for disease due to improper disposal of human waste. The market was temporarily set up to accommodate vendors from the Central Business area during the construction of a new market. The poor sanitary conditions have attracted scavenging birds, posing risks to individuals frequenting the area, particularly those using air transport services.
Further discussions during the meeting identified illegal mining activities, known as galamsey, alongside sanitation issues, as critical environmental challenges requiring urgent attention. Dr. Gifty Amugi, the Western Regional Director of Health, reported that in the first quarter of 2025, the region recorded 159 suspected cholera cases and two instances of dog bites. Additionally, a treatment site for MPOX was established to ensure prompt medical response.
The Regional Red Cross has proactively trained 80 volunteers, reaching out to 393 communities and educating over 154,065 individuals on cholera prevention strategies.
