The Media Coalition against Open Defecation (M-CODe) has launched its Western Regional branch to fight the canker in the region.
The event took place on Thursday, September 7, at Akroma Plaza in Takoradi with key stakeholders from the government agencies and the media.
The Media Coalition against Open Defecation was established in 2018 with the objective of supporting the crusade against Open Defecation in Ghana.
Speaking at the launch, the Western Regional Minister, Dr Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah whose speech was delivered on behalf of the Chief Director of the Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC) Mr. Fredrick Agyemang said open defecation is a grave social and health issue that affects not only our region but also our entire nation.
He said despite substantial development in various sectors, the prevalence of open defecation remains a major challenge and It is disheartening to note that millions of people, particularly in rural areas, lack access to basic sanitation facilities.
The Minister indicated that the consequences of open defecation are severe, impacting individual health, public health, and the overall socio-economic development of our beloved region.
The spread of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, and typhoid due to poor sanitation practices is prevalent.
He added that diseases claim the lives of innocent children and negatively impact productivity, especially among marginalized communities. “We must break this cycle, and it starts with a united front against open defecation,” he said.
The National Convenor for M-CODe, Mr Francis Ameyebor speaking to the media said they hope to end open defecation by 2030.
He said that goal six (6) of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target two mandates for every nation practising open defecation to end it by 2030.
He indicated that to be able to end this menace, there must be an advocacy and an attitudinal change.
“Some of the problems are basically attitudinal change, people are refusing to defecate in privacy claiming they enjoy it in the open because of free range.”
“In some communities, the facilities have been provided but they still prefer to go into the bush,” he added.
Mr Ameyebor said the media must ensure that the Metropolitan Municipal District Assemblies (MMDAs) enforce the laws, by making sure that there is a toilet facility in every new building being approved by the MMDAs.
“In case there are new buildings without toilet facilities, the media must link it to the MMDAs and ensure that the right thing is done.”
