Sunyani: The Bono Regional branch of the Media Coalition Against Open Defecation (M-CODe) has called on Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to enact and enforce by-laws mandating landlords to provide household toilets for their tenants. This move is in line with efforts to improve sanitation and eliminate open defecation.
According to Ghana News Agency, the coalition, an advocacy group consisting of media institutions and journalists, emphasized the importance of household toilets in eradicating open defecation and enhancing sanitation outcomes. M-CODe's Bono Regional Coordinator, Mr. Dennis Kwadwo Peprah, highlighted these points during an interview in Sunyani, marking the 2025 Ghana Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) week celebration.
The coalition's activities are part of a broader initiative with the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Water and Sanitation (CONIWAS) focusing on themes such as 'WASH for a Healthy Ghana, Everyone, Everywhere' and M-CODe's specific theme 'Dignity for all, toilets for all: End Open Defecation Now.' Mr. Peprah noted that enacting and enforcing by-laws is essential in meeting national sanitation targets and ending open defecation.
Mr. Peprah further explained that local authorities are empowered by these by-laws to fine or prosecute landlords who fail to comply. He stressed that achieving an open defecation-free status is critical for Ghana's progress towards meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG Six, which aims to ensure sanitation and hygiene for all by 2030.
Despite the looming deadline, Mr. Peprah expressed concern over the lack of household toilets in many regions, attributing this to the persistence of open defecation. In line with the ongoing efforts, Mr. Ampaabeng Kyeeremeh, a coalition member, outlined the goals of the WASH week celebrations, which include raising public awareness and advocating for investment in equitable sanitation systems.
To further this cause, the coalition has been conducting radio discussions to educate the public on the significance of contributing to the fight against open defecation.
