Open Defecation Archives

Health

Improvements in Household Latrines in Bolgatanga Municipality

The Bolgatanga Municipal Environmental Officer, Mr. Evans M, has revealed that the introduction of Sama Sama and the new Bio digester system has significantly improved household latrines in the municipality. Apexnewsgh reports The Bio digester system, in particular, has made it easier for households to install toilet facilities without the need for a large proportion of land to construct septic tanks. Mr. Evans cited the success story of Kotokoli Zongo, where a prosecution exercise led to a change of mindset among residents. Prior to the exercise, only 15 out of 59 households had toilet facilities. However, after the prosecution, the number increased to 42 households with toilet facilities. Similarly, in Tanzui, new buildings are being constructed with toilet facilities, and some households have even installed VIP latrines, which are still in use. While these success stories are encouraging, the latest Ghana Statistical Service report reveals that 17,059 households in the Bolgatanga Municipality still lack access to toilet facilities. Despite this challenge, the improvements in household latrines demonstrate the positive impact of initiatives like Sama Sama and the Bio digester system. He said effort will continue to address the remaining gaps and ensure that all households have access to safe and dignified sanitation facilities. The progress made in Bolgatanga Municipality serves as a model for other areas to adopt innovative solutions to improve sanitation and hygiene. As the municipality continues to work towards achieving universal access to toilet facilities, the successes in Kotokoli Zongo and Tanzui offer hope and motivation for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062

Health

Open Defecation: We ever caught a Pharmacist smoking and defecating openly—Bolgatanga Municipal Environmental Officer reveals

Mr. M. Evans, the Bolgatanga Municipal Environmental Officer, has revealed that prominent personalities in the Municipality are engaged in Open Defecation (OD). Apexnewsgh reports During an interview with Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of Apexnewsgh, Mr. Evans shared a shocking incident where he and his team caught a pharmacist openly defecating and smoking at the Bolgatanga sports stadium. He emphasized that attitude, not education, is the root cause of this issue. “Is not about we not being educated, is about our attitude. If an Alhaji who is an Auditor can go out and defecate out, what shows that he doesn’t know the consequence, is clearly his attitude”. Despite efforts to combat OD, certain areas within the Municipality remain challenging. Atulbabisi and Doportindongo are identified as the worst affected areas, with other areas like Dameo, Sawaba, Seo, and Bukere also struggling. Mr. Evans stressed that OD is everyone’s responsibility and should not be left to a few individuals. He highlighted the risk of cholera outbreaks and the spread of typhoid, which is prevalent in Bolga. To succeed in fighting OD, it is essential to confront those engaging in the practice and promote sanitation awareness. The Sanitation Officer also noted that some households defecate in their bathrooms during bathing and sweep the faeces into the drain, perpetuating the problem. He emphasized the need for individuals to become ambassadors of sanitation and take collective responsibility to address this persistent challenge. According to the Ghana Statistical Service, 17,059 households in the Bolgatanga Municipality are without toilet facilities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062

Health

Ignorance and Lack of Funding Hindering Efforts to Combat Open Defecation in Upper East Region

According to Juventus Asayuure, a senior official at the Upper East Regional Environmental Health Unit, ignorance and lack of funding are the main drivers of the high percentage of open defecation in the region.Apexnewsgh reports The recent data released by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) shows a staggering 68.4% of the population in the region practices open defecation, with Bawku West District having the highest number of cases. Mr. Asayuure when speaking to Apexnewsgh attributed the issue to a deep-seated cultural norm, where people are accustomed to defecating in the open, and a lack of enforcement of laws and funding to support behavior change initiatives. He noted that efforts to promote toilet usage and improve sanitation and hygiene practices are underway, but funding is a significant challenge, with government unable to fund all districts, relying on donors to fill the gap. The GSS data highlights the need for urgent interventions to address the widespread open defecation, which poses significant health risks to residents. The regional environmental health unit is working to promote a healthier and more sustainable environment, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of this issue. The data breakdown by district is as follows: Bawku West: 18,901 Builsa South: 5,619 Builsa North Municipal: 9,464 Kasena Nankana Municipal: 16,568 Kasena Nankana West: 13,746 Bolgatanga Municipal: 17,059 Talensi: 13,765 Bolgatanga East: 5,949 Bongo: 17,499 Nabdam: 7,897 Binduri: 11,373 Bawku Municipal: 13,578 Garu: 6,645 Tempane: 10,923 Pusiga: 10,639 The regional environmental health unit is calling for increased support and funding to address this critical issue and promote a healthier and more sustainable environment for residents. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062

Health

Open Defecation: Teachers and pupils of 31st December KG risks their lives on snake bite daily

The teachers and students at the 31st December Kindergarten School in the Tindonsobligo Community of Bolgatanga Municipal, located in the Upper East Region, are facing a daily risk of snake bites due to the absence of a constructed toilet facility within the school premises. This unfortunate situation has resulted in teachers and students resorting to “open defecation” as there are no other options available. Despite being established in 1990, the school has been operating without a toilet facility up until now. The lack of toilet facilities in schools can have various negative effects on the teaching and learning abilities of pupils. Here are a few potential impacts: Health and hygiene: Inadequate or non-existent toilet facilities can compromise the health and hygiene of both students and teachers. This can lead to increased absenteeism due to illness, making it difficult for students to consistently attend classes and progress in their learning. When there are no proper toilets available, students may feel uncomfortable and distracted throughout the day. This can affect their concentration, making it harder for them to fully engage in lessons and absorb information. Lack of access to clean and well-maintained toilets can demotivate students, causing them to lose focus on their studies. They may feel embarrassed or uneasy, leading to decreased motivation to participate actively in classroom activities and moreover, prolonged discomfort and disruption caused by inadequate toilet facilities can hinder students’. The headmistress of the school Madam Gornah Magrate, in a conversation with Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen, a member of the Upper East Regional Branch leadership of the Media Coalition against Open Defecation (M-CODe), expressed her concern over a troubling situation. According to her, the teachers and students do not want to resort to open defecation, commonly known as free range, whenever they need to use the restroom. She shared an incident where a community member approached the school, warning them to instruct the students against defecating near his shrine. She is appealing to NGOs and other relevant institutions to come to their aid by providing them with a toilet and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facility to reduce the risk of children being bitten by snakes. The Assembly member for the Tindonsobligo electoral area, Thomas Ayimbila Apaala, acknowledged the situation as unfortunate when contacted by Apexnewsgh.com. He stated that he has made numerous efforts by writing various institutions, including the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST). Hon. Ayinbila also expressed dissatisfaction that no major renovations have taken place since the establishment of the school. However, when contacted the Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive Mr. Rex Asanga, he expressed sympathy for the school predicament. He has assured that his Assembly officials will be sent to the school to find a solution. “I will ask my people to go and have a look at it, we will see if there is something temporal, we can do”. He told Apexnewsgh.com Sadly, in the Upper East Region, 26% of public schools in Ghana operate without toilet facilities Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062

Health, Opinion

UER: M-CODe leadership familiarized themselves with Minister, as he confirmed the issue of OD needs attitudinal change

The Upper East Regional Minister Hon. Stephen Yakubu has described Open Defecation (OD) in the Upper East Region as a big issue that needs to be corrected by themselves through attitudinal change. The Minister pointed this out when the Upper East Regional Branch leadership of the Media Coalition against Open Defecation (M-CODe) led by Madam Fatima Astanga the Regional Convener and Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen the Regional Organizer paid him a courtesy visit at his office on Tuesday, October 10, 2022. Even though, the M-CODe leadership visit was planned to officially introduce themselves to the Regional Minister and as well explained their motive and objective as M-CODe representatives in the region, the visit also allowed leadership to interact with the Regional Minister, especially on the performance of the region with regards to Open Defecation. During the engagement, the Regional Minister described Open Defecation (OD) as a big issue. “I think our main way of overcoming this, is to change people’s attitudes. Because the toilet facility may even be there and they will not use it because of that cultural thing. If somebody sees you there and everybody is passing, the name it’s gives to the region. If you moved from this lane, there is a small forest on the right-hand side, people normally go there with their motors to do Open Defecation as if is okay and you won’t even see someone cautioning them to stop such acts, because of those things, are accepted in the society”. According to Minister Yakubu, “Some even believe that it is some kind of fertilizing the land. That’s why the attitude thing is the most important in this fight. I know a lot of people who died in this country as a result of the cholera outbreak in this region” he stressed He appreciated the efforts and ideas brought on board by members of M-CODe in the Upper East Region as he confirmed it as a good call’ However, also seeking some support from the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) to enable M-CODe members to perform their function accordingly in the region, the Minister said: “If we have money we can put in to support but we don’t generate any income. Is the district that generates income and I would encourage you to speak to the private companies, shops, and also the telecoms and any person who wants to contribute. But is something we all know and we all agree that we need to do something about it. I think you can find time to talk about it and am sure some of these radio stations if you talk to them they will be ready to give you some air time to talk about it and that will help educate the people. I think we are together in this, the problem is that we can’t help financially”. The Minister told the Regional leadership of M-CODe. He acknowledged that a lot of NGOs are also doing their best in the area of Open Defecation. Adding that “Government is also building toilets facilities for all the schools because some of the schools don’t even have toilet facilities therefore what do expect if the school is not walled, people come inside the school and do free range”. In the Upper East Region, over 60% of its population or citizens are defecating in the open, and Upper East is 68.4% in terms of Population and housing census. it must be a matter of great concern. It is revealing that 92% of the population of the people of the Upper East Region don’t use toilet facilities at their homes. However, M-CODe, was first introduced in 2018 to help develop the capacity of the media as advocates for improved sanitation, especially with the agenda to eliminate Open Defecation (OD) across the country. Source: Apexnewsgh.com|Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com

Health, Opinion

ODF: 26 % of public schools operate without toilets

Mr. Attah Arhin a Technical Specialist on Water and Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) with World Vision Ghana has lamented terribly that 26% of public schools in Ghana operate without toilet facilities. Apexnewsgh.com report The WASH Technical Specialist made the revelation on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, during the launch of the Upper East Regional Branch of the Media Coalition against Open Defecation (M-CODe) “When it comes to WASH schools, the situation is also very terrible for 26% of public schools not having access to a toilet facility is unacceptable and it let itself to so many difficulties for the children, for their Education, for their health and all the other related issues. He believes, the government needs to work with all stakeholders to urgently address this situation otherwise, it can be a major risk for the innocent children in schools. “It is not fashionable in the 21st century, it is no more fun to be defecating in the open”. However, giving some explanations about M-CODe, he said it was first introduced in 2018 to help develop the capacity of the media as advocates for improved sanitation, especially with the agenda to eliminate Open Defecation (OD) across the country. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/ Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen/M-CODe/Upper East Region

Health, Opinion

UER: 92% of the population of Upper East citizens have no access to a toilet facility

Mr. Attah Arhin a Technical Specialist on Water and Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) with World Vision Ghana has revealed that only 8% of the population of the Upper East have access to a toilet facility. According to Mr. Arhin, “The multiple indicator cluster survey 2018 shows that only 8% of the population of Upper East Region have access to a toilet facility. So, 92% of the population of the people of the Upper East Region don’t use toilet facilities at their homes or work side. The WASH Technical Specialist revealed this on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, during the launch of the Upper East Regional Branch of the Media Coalition against Open Defecation (M-CODe). He said: That is the kind of difficulty we are confronted with. Meanwhile, expanding more on the situation, Mr. said: “If you have a region that has over 60% of its population or citizens defecating in the open, it must be a matter of great concern. And Upper East obviously is bleeding in terms of the multiple indicator cluster surveys in terms of the joint monitoring platform. But I have just checked with the population and housing census 2021, and have realized Savannah has now overtaken Upper East. Savannah Region is 68.5%, Upper East is 68.4% in terms of Population and housing census. So, that is a major issue and I think something drastic needs to happen to get the region out of this situation. It is not fashionable in the 21st century, “It is no more fun to be defecating in the open. It is abominable, in fact, it is criminal and people must have that shame that where they are defecating is not good. So, for you to move out of your house and defecating is a serious thing and I think that not only to citizens, and also to the authorities and to the officials of MMDAs and the region will now be free from the tag”. He said He added, “The diseases bring shame, people do not find it comfortable visiting the region for tourist activities and all that. But when we get rid of this, we save the lives of our children and they will be free from diseases and free from death, that’s what we are calling for. Meanwhile, as part of his speech, Mr. Arhin admonished the newly launched Upper East Regional Branch of the Media Coalition against Open Defecation (M-CODe) to work so hard in making sure issues of Open Defecation (OD) is a thing of the past. However, giving some explanations about M-CODe, he said it was first introduced in 2018 to help develop the capacity of the media as advocates for improved sanitation, especially with the agenda to eliminate Open Defecation (OD) across the country. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/ Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen/M-CODe/Upper East Region

Health, Opinion

Establish effective sanitation guards to help eradicate Open Defecation- Jalulah to Assembly

The Upper East Regional Chairman of Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) William Jalulah has said, to succeed in the fight against Open Defecation, it is time for Assemblies to establish very effective sanitation guards. The Regional GJA Chairman unveiled the suggestion on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, during the launch of the Upper East Regional Branch of the Media Coalition against Open Defecation (M-CODe). He said GJA leadership in the region: “We want to assure the administrators of this collation that we will support you in any way we can because, the fight should be collective, collective in the sense that environmental health issues or health issues generally affect everybody”. He assured He said, as a Region, it calls for everyone’s hands on deck to collectively achieve the target of eradicating Open Defecation (OD) “I have a few proposals I would want to make and for me, I think that the Municipal Assemblies have a lot of work to do. Over the years, I think they have done their bit but it has not been sustainable enough. Once in a while, you see them make efforts to fight Open Defecation (OD) through the environmental health unit but it has not been sustainable enough”. He stressed M-CODe, was first introduced in 2018 to help develop the capacity of the media as advocates for improved sanitation, especially with the agenda to eliminate Open Defecation (OD) across the country. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/ Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen/M-CODe/Upper East Region

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Improvements in Household Latrines in Bolgatanga Municipality

Open Defecation: We ever caught a Pharmacist smoking and defecating openly—Bolgatanga Municipal Environmental Officer reveals

Ignorance and Lack of Funding Hindering Efforts to Combat Open Defecation in Upper East Region

Open Defecation: Teachers and pupils of 31st December KG risks their lives on snake bite daily

UER: M-CODe leadership familiarized themselves with Minister, as he confirmed the issue of OD needs attitudinal change

ODF: 26 % of public schools operate without toilets

UER: 92% of the population of Upper East citizens have no access to a toilet facility

Establish effective sanitation guards to help eradicate Open Defecation- Jalulah to Assembly

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