A group of Ghanaian media persons have formed a coalition to help address poor sanitation, especially open defecation in the country.
The Media Coalition Against Open Defecation (M-CODe), which was launched in Accra recently, will support the crusade against open defecation in Ghana through a coordinated and more aggressive policy influence and public sensitisation.
Currently, available statistics indicate that one out of every five Ghanaian defecates outside a toilet facility each day.
This represents close to six million people. It is also estimated the country loses some US$79 million annually through tourism loss, water population, death, among many others.
Speaking at the launch of the coalition in Accra, a steering committee member of the coalition, Cecil Nii Obodai, said the group is determined “to challenge institutions connected to the fight to work harder. Also, we will intensify public sensitisation through community outreach programmes.”
“We are also asking President Akufo-Addo to direct all metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies to develop and publicise roadmaps for eradication of open defecation.
Government must also establish an annual budget that syncs with the roadmap. We are also demanding for a total ban on open defecation at beaches by December 2019,” he added.
On his part, the Deputy Minister for Sanitation & Water Resources, Patrick Boamah, reiterated government’s commitment to making Accra the cleanest city by the end of its first term in office.
“The government’s agenda that every house has toilet is on course. Currently, an estimated eleven thousand household toilets have been constructed serving about eighty-eight thousand people by the ministry. A total of four hundred and six toilet facility has also been provided for four hundred and thirty-five thousand people. We have also secured some facilities to help in the implementation of many projects,” he disclosed.
Mr. Boamah added, “It is, however, important to note that the fight against open defecation is a collective effort. As the media gets on board, platforms such as social media should be used to get Ghanaians on board. Bloggers can also be engaged and partnered in this fight.”
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri