Minister Urges Collective Action to Improve Sanitation and Health Outcomes
The Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Madam Lydia Seyram Alhassan, has called for collective efforts to address the challenges in Ghana’s water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector. Speaking at the 2024 World Toilet Day commemoration held at La-Bawaleshie in Accra’s Ayawaso West Municipality, she stressed the need for collaboration across sectors to achieve sustainable progress.
A Collective Responsibility
Madam Alhassan emphasized that improving sanitation requires the active involvement of all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, the private sector, academia, development partners, and communities.
“The Government cannot single-handedly address the challenges of the WASH sector. By forging strategic partnerships, we can leverage our strengths, share resources, and create sustainable solutions,” she stated.
The event, themed “Toilets for Dignity, Health, and Safety,” highlighted the critical role of access to clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene as fundamental human rights and essential for health and dignity.
Sanitation Challenges in Ghana
The Minister shared troubling statistics from the 2021 Population and Housing Census, revealing that open defecation remains a significant challenge. Nationally, 17.7% of the population practices open defecation, with 9% in urban areas. Additionally, 25% of urban residents rely on public toilets, many of which have poor hygiene standards.
“This trend is worrying, particularly because access to a toilet at home safeguards one’s dignity, health, and safety,” Madam Alhassan noted.
Government Initiatives and Achievements
She highlighted government initiatives to combat sanitation issues, including the “Toilets for All” program, which has significantly increased access to household toilets from 13% in 2018 to over 25% by 2021.
“Through transformative WASH initiatives, Ghana is making strides in improving access to clean and safe toilets. This program encourages households to stop open defecation and build their own toilets,” she said.
Madam Alhassan also praised the country’s recent success in managing cholera, noting that no cases had been recorded since 2017. However, she warned of the ongoing risks posed by improper liquid waste management.
Call to Action
The Minister urged Ghanaians to adopt hygienic practices, such as drinking safe water, thoroughly cooking food, and washing hands with soap under running water.
“We must resolve to banish open defecation and manage our liquid waste safely. Together, we can eliminate cholera outbreaks and improve health outcomes,” she emphasized.
Gratitude to Partners
Madam Alhassan expressed appreciation to sponsors of the 2024 World Toilet Day, including USAID/Global Communities, the World Bank/GAMA Sanitation and Water Project, Sewerage Systems Ghana Limited, and WaterAid Ghana, for their support in advancing sanitation initiatives.
Global Perspective
World Toilet Day, observed annually on November 19, raises awareness about the 3.5 billion people worldwide who lack safely managed sanitation. According to the United Nations, 419 million people still practice open defecation globally, underscoring the urgency of the sanitation agenda.
The Minister’s address highlighted Ghana’s commitment to tackling these challenges through innovation, collaboration, and community engagement to ensure dignity, health, and safety for all citizens.
Source: GNA
