By Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen, Editor-in-Chief, Apexnewsgh
Open defecation remains a persistent and deeply troubling public health issue in Ghana’s Upper East Region.
Despite some progress over the past decade, regional estimates show that between 49% and 68.4% of the population still resorts to open defecation, a practice that not only undermines sanitation and health but also erodes the dignity and collective image of our communities. While this marks an improvement from historical rates that were once above 80%, the fact that nearly half or more of the population continues this practice is a clarion call for urgent, concerted action.
As Editor-in-Chief of Apexnewsgh, I have followed this issue closely, and my observations have left me deeply concerned. A society that normalizes open defecation is, in many ways, failing its children. The holy book wisely counsels us to “train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This wisdom is pertinent here. If children grow up witnessing and practicing open defecation, it becomes ingrained in their habits and worldview. The question we must ask ourselves as parents, educators, and authorities is: Are we truly doing enough to break this cycle?
On the ground, the answer is painfully clear. Many parents in the Upper East Region continue to defecate in the bush, not necessarily out of choice, but due to a lack of household toilets. This reality has a direct and damaging impact on their children. Children learn by observation and imitation. If they see their parents engaging in open defecation, they will naturally adopt the same behavior, perpetuating the cycle for another generation. It is not just a matter of personal hygiene or convenience; it is a matter of legacy and social responsibility.
According to Mr. Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen, his investigations around the region have revealed a critical gap in the infrastructure that supports good hygiene. Shockingly, a significant number of basic schools in the Upper East Region lack adequate toilet or urinal blocks for students. This absence of facilities leaves children with little choice but to relieve themselves in the open, around the school premises or in nearby bushes. Such conditions expose children to health risks, including waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery, and reinforce negative sanitation habits.
Public health officials and development partners have long emphasized the dangers of open defecation. It contaminates water sources, spreads diseases, and contributes to high rates of child morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization and UNICEF have consistently ranked open defecation as one of the leading factors undermining child health in low-resource settings. In the Upper East Region, the challenge is exacerbated by poverty, rapid population growth, and limited local government budgets for sanitation infrastructure.
Addressing this crisis requires a multi-pronged approach that combines education, infrastructure development, policy enforcement, and community engagement. While it is easy to point fingers at parents or authorities, the reality is that all stakeholders, families, schools, traditional leaders, and government, must work together to create lasting change.
One group with enormous potential to drive this change is teachers. Teachers are respected figures who shape not just the academic, but also the social and ethical development of children. They are uniquely positioned to champion Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) education in schools. By integrating lessons on proper hygiene, the dangers of open defecation, and the importance of using toilets, teachers can plant the seeds of behavioral change early in a child’s development.
However, the influence of teachers should not end at the school gate. If teachers extend WASH learning to their students’ homes, encouraging parents to build and use latrines, and to model good behavior—they can amplify their impact throughout the community. Admittedly, this may place an extra financial or logistical burden on teachers and schools, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. Communities that are open-defecation free enjoy better health, higher school attendance, and improved economic prospects.
Government intervention is also crucial. Local authorities must prioritize the construction and maintenance of sanitation facilities in both schools and residential areas. This requires investment, political will, and effective monitoring. There should be clear policies mandating that all schools have functional toilets and urinals, and resources should be allocated to ensure these standards are met. In addition, community-led total sanitation (CLTS) programs, which have shown success in other regions, should be scaled up and adapted to the specific needs of the Upper East.
Traditional leaders and faith-based organizations can also play a transformative role. By leveraging their influence and moral authority, they can mobilize communities to abandon open defecation and adopt healthier practices. Public health campaigns, community meetings, and WASH clubs in schools can all serve as platforms for raising awareness and promoting positive change.
Ultimately, the fight against open defecation in the Upper East Region is about more than just building toilets. It is about changing mindsets, instilling pride and responsibility in our children, and creating a healthier, more dignified society. The journey will not be easy, but it is one we must undertake together. As parents, teachers, leaders, and citizens, we have a moral and civic duty to ensure that the next generation grows up in a cleaner, safer, and more hopeful environment.
The time to act is now. Let us resolve to break the cycle of open defecation in the Upper East Region, one household, one school, and one community at a time.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com