Togbe Kwasi Amedor III, the sub-divisional chief of Mepe Gbavie-Dekume, has expressed concern over a communicable skin disease outbreak affecting children and adults in the Avetakpo enclave, a farming community in the Ho West District of the Volta Region.
According to the chief, residents are suffering from sleep deprivation and prolonged bodily pains. Despite the severity of the outbreak, many are unable to access medical treatment due to financial constraints.
Following a request from the Queen Mother of the area, Mama Aku Seme II, officials from the Ho West District Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) visited the community. However, they set an estimated budget of GH₵ 6,642.50 for treatment, which the community is unable to raise.
“We are pleading with the government to come to our aid because we are not able to raise the total of GH₵ 6,642.50 estimated budget,” Togbe Amedor III stated.
The disease has now spread to neighboring communities, with over 46 people affected so far. The chief is urgently calling for government intervention to provide funding for mass medical treatment and preventive measures.
He also expressed frustration over the lack of information from health officials about the disease’s name and origin, leaving the community uncertain. Additionally, the lack of access to clean drinking water, with residents sharing sources with animals, may be contributing to the outbreak.
Togbe Amedor III’s appeal underscores the urgent need for government support to address the outbreak and prevent its further spread.
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