Residents of Bombey, a suburb of Asawase in the Ashanti Region, have raised serious concerns over the worsening sanitation crisis in their community, fearing a potential cholera outbreak as the rainy season begins.
The major gutters in the area are heavily choked with waste, particularly plastics, leading to stagnant water that serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and emits a foul stench.
Residents say the last desilting exercise was carried out over a decade ago, leaving the drainage system completely blocked.
This is not the first time sanitation issues in Asawase have sparked public outcry.
In April 2023, residents of the Aboabo and Sawaba areas staged a demonstration over similar concerns, accusing local authorities of neglecting waste management.
Despite multiple complaints, little has been done to address the worsening situation.
With Ghana currently battling a cholera outbreak, the fears of Asawase Bombey residents are heightened.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has already recorded over 6,000 cholera cases and 40 deaths nationwide, with poor sanitation identified as a leading cause.
Residents are urging local authorities to take immediate action to clear the gutters, enforce proper waste disposal, and improve sanitation before the situation escalates into a full-blown health crisis.