M-CODe Intensifies Sanitation Efforts in Bolgatanga

General


Bolgatanga: The Upper East Regional branch of the Media Coalition Against Open Defecation (M-CODe) has taken significant steps to combat poor sanitation in Bolgatanga by enhancing education and promoting environmental cleanliness. This initiative involves engaging traders at the Bolgatanga Central Market on good sanitation practices and the health risks posed by insanitary conditions.



According to Ghana News Agency, members of M-CODe, consisting of journalists from the region, collaborated with The Street Janitors, a local youth volunteer group known for their weekly clean-up exercises. Together, they worked to clean the Bolgatanga Central Market and advocate for improved hygiene practices. This effort is part of the national theme: ‘WASH for a Healthy Ghana, Everyone, Everywhere,’ which is supported by the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Water and Sanitation (CONIWAS) and is part of the 2025 Ghana Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Week activities.



The campaign aims to raise awareness among traders and residents about the dangers of poor sanitation while promoting the use of clean toilet facilities to help end open defecation. M-CODe envisions stronger collaboration between civil society, volunteers, traders, and the Municipal Assembly to restore Bolgatanga’s reputation as Ghana’s cleanest town.



Ms Gladys Apuweni, Upper East Regional Treasurer of M-CODe, emphasized the shared responsibility of sanitation and highlighted the Coalition’s strategy to combat open defecation and unsanitary practices at the community level. ‘Sanitation is a shared responsibility. Our campaign is not only about cleaning but also about changing attitudes,’ she stated.



The initiative complements M-CODe’s nationwide sensitization programs on radio and community outreach. This year’s theme, ‘Dignity for All, Toilets for All: End Open Defecation Now,’ underscores the urgent need for improved sanitation.



Mr Clement Ayamga, Leader of The Street Janitors, praised the partnership, noting the importance of collective effort in achieving sustainable sanitation. He urged stakeholders to support their efforts with necessary logistics such as gloves, boots, and wheelbarrows.



Market traders welcomed the exercise, acknowledging that poor attitudes have exacerbated sanitation issues and called for consistent public education and strict enforcement of sanitation by-laws.