Dambai: The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and sanitation officers have launched a comprehensive inspection of food establishments in Dambai township, in response to the recent surge in typhoid cases. They scrutinized various aspects of food handling, including vendors' dressings, personal hygiene, food storage, and preparation practices. They also observed vendors' daily activities to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Gorden Akurugu, the Volta/Oti Regional FDA Director, stated that the objective of the inspection was to identify and address food safety concerns that may be contributory to the typhoid outbreak. Mr. Akurugu mentioned that the inspection was expected to lead to improved food safety practices in Dambai township and its environs. In addition, it aims to reduce the incidence of typhoid and other food-borne illnesses in the area.
The Oti Region has recorded a significant surge in typhoid fever cases, with a total of 22,261 confirmed cases as of August 28, 2025. This represents a sharp increase from the 10,233 cases reported in the first half of the year. The region's Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Cynthia Sekyere, has described the situation as a major public health concern, attributing the outbreak to poor sanitation, inadequate waste management, and limited access to clean drinking water.
