Madina: Traders and drivers at the Madina Market and lorry station have appealed to the Municipal Assembly to provide them with adequate toilet facilities in their area of work. Madam Eunice Quaco, Secretary of the Market, highlighted the issue, stating that the existing public toilets used by market women and buyers have broken down.
According to Ghana News Agency, the appeal was made during an assessment of sanitation conditions by members of the Ghana Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Journalists' Network (GWJN) in conjunction with the Coalition of Non-Governmental Organisations in Water and Sanitation (CONIWAS) to commemorate Ghana WASH Week 2025. The week-long activities aim to address sanitation challenges in public spaces.
Madam Eunice Quaco noted the financial burden on traders and drivers who now have to rely on expensive private toilet facilities. She urged for the repair or construction of new facilities to alleviate the strain on sellers and buyers. Additionally, she called for the restoration of hand washing facilities, such as the Veronica buckets, to prevent diseases.
Market woman Madam Irene Dadzie expressed concern over the long distances they must travel to access toilets, emphasizing the need for affordable and conveniently located facilities. Water shortages further exacerbate the issue, leading to the closure of available conveniences.
Mr. Oko Doe, a driver, voiced frustration over the lack of facilities despite paying significant fees. During the visit, the team observed broken toilets and substandard private facilities, with only the Plateau Shopping Centre providing a well-maintained option, albeit far from the market and lorry station.
Mr. David Katey, caretaker of the Plateau facility, attributed its cleanliness to a sufficient water supply and regular cleaning. The facility has its own borehole to prevent water shortages and uses carefully chosen detergents.
Decorbuilt, managers of the Madina lorry station, indicated plans to implement a washroom facility soon. Additionally, Mr. Joseph Nii Bonne Arthur, Secretary to the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of Trade Union Congress (TUC), urged the Assembly to provide passenger sheds to protect against harsh weather while waiting for transportation.
