Sekondi-takoradi: Mr. Aaron Ennin, Assistant Environmental Officer of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA), has revealed that the Environmental Directorate has intensified the fight against open defecation in the metropolitan area. The environmental directorate is employing public education, arrests, and prosecution as part of broader measures to tackle the issue.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ennin was responding to concerns raised by the Western Regional Branch of the Media Coalition Against Open Defecation (M-CODe) during a field visit to communities engaged in open defecation. The M-CODe highlighted the urgent need for attention due to the lack of nearby toilet facilities, which forces residents to travel long distances or resort to open defecation, posing health risks, particularly to children under five. Mr. Ennin noted that 28 residents have been arrested and sent to court in 2024 as part of deterrent measures.
Mr. Ennin also emphasized the importance of encouraging landlords and house owners to build household toilets to eliminate open defecation, particularly in areas like Nketsiakrom. Open defecation contributes to the spread of diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, and typhoid fever.
Mrs. Mildred Siabi-Mensah, Regional Coordinator for M-CODe, stated that the organization is conducting public sensitization in collaboration with the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Water and Sanitation (CONIWAS) and other stakeholders as part of the 2025 Ghana Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Week. The week focuses on equity, inclusion, accountability, and partnerships in creating sustainable WASH systems. M-CODe has adopted the theme 'Dignity for All, Toilets for All: End Open Defecation Now.'
Data from M-CODe indicates that the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 6.2 aims to end open defecation by 2030, emphasizing the need for global efforts to address sanitation challenges. Stakeholders have proposed multifaceted interventions to ensure equitable access to sanitation facilities, especially for vulnerable groups, and called for comprehensive efforts in Nketsiakrom to improve public health and environmental sustainability.
Mrs. Siabi-Mensah added that M-CODe's regional branch will enhance public sanitation efforts to address the crisis in Nketsiakrom. The lack of sanitation infrastructure not only affects health but also hinders progress toward national and global sanitation goals, including SDG 6.2.
Stakeholders have recommended building and maintaining household and public toilets in the community to provide accessible sanitation facilities. They also suggested complementing sanitation facilities with reliable water supply infrastructure to maintain hygiene and reduce health risks. Additionally, intensifying awareness campaigns to promote behavioral change is crucial for encouraging residents to adopt healthier practices.
The annual WASH Week promotes public awareness of WASH issues and advocates for greater investment in resilient sanitation systems and equitable access to WASH. As part of the 2025 WASH week activities, M-CODe regional offices are organizing events across various regions, including market visits, media discussions, and engagement with communities to encourage attitudinal change.
