The Volta Regional Coordinating Directorate has revealed that 13.4% of the region’s population still engages in open defecation, based on a 2020 Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) report.
This concerning statistic was disclosed by Mr. Augustus Awity, the Regional Coordinating Director and Chairman of the Regional Interagency Coordinating Committee on Sanitation (RICCS), during this year’s World Toilet Day celebration at Agorhokpo, a farming community in the Agotime-Ziope District.
The event, themed “Toilet – A Place for Peace”, emphasized the importance of toilets in promoting dignity, equality, and human rights.
Mr. Awity noted that while 34.6% of households in the Volta Region have access to improved sanitation facilities, 51.9% still rely on shared or unimproved sanitation options.
Cholera Outbreak Underscores Need for Improved Sanitation
Mr. Awity highlighted the ongoing cholera outbreaks in the Greater Accra, Central, and Western Regions, which have resulted in 16 deaths and over 150 infections.
He described this as a sobering reminder of the consequences of inadequate sanitation.
“This outbreak is a wake-up call to prioritize the provision of safe and clean toilets for all,” he stated.
“A toilet is more than a physical structure; it symbolizes dignity, equality, and human rights. It is a place where individuals find peace, relief, and security.”
Progress and Challenges in Reducing Open Defecation
Despite the challenges, Mr. Awity commended the Volta Region for significant progress in reducing open defecation, as noted in reports from the GSS and World Bank.
However, he urged residents and stakeholders to double their efforts in achieving universal access to sanitation, a key target of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6b.
“As we observe World Toilet Day, let us renew our commitment to creating a world where every individual has access to safe, clean, and private toilets. This is not just a moral obligation but an economic and social necessity,” Mr. Awity said.
Call to Action
Madam Stella Kumedzro, the Regional Environmental Health Officer, led a call to action, urging participants to prioritize sanitation and hygiene in their daily lives. She encouraged individuals to:
- Share commitments to sanitation with family and friends.
- Volunteer to help build and maintain toilets in their communities.
- Advocate for inclusive and accessible toilet facilities.
She also called on the Government of Ghana to provide resources for Environmental Health and Sanitation Units through Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). Additionally, she emphasized the need for schools and institutions to have clean, resilient toilets to promote peace and stability.
Role of NGOs and Development Partners
Madam Kumedzro appealed to non-governmental organizations and development partners to continue supporting communities in maintaining clean and aesthetic environments.
The event concluded with a pledge from all present to champion toilet equality and work towards a future where everyone in the Volta Region has access to safe and dignified sanitation facilities.
READ ALSO: