Tema, June 4, GNA – The Media Coalition against Open Defecation (M-CODe) in collaboration with the World Vision Ghana (WVG), has rolled out a holistic advocacy strategy against open defecation across the country.
As part of the advocacy strategy, M-CODe and WVG representatives undertook a day’s working visit to Adjen Kotoku Onion Market in the GA West Municipality and Dominase Onion Market in the Gomoa East District is to assess the situation on the ground as well as engage policymakers on the way forward.
Mr. Osman Mohammed Sidi, Secretary for the Adjen Kotoku Onion Sellers and Importers Association, during interaction with the M-CODe media team expressed concern about the poor sanitation condition in the market.
He said the over 3,000 traders, haulage truck drivers, and a large cross of the public who patronized the onion market struggled to use a small toilet facility that had eight compartments for each male and female.
Mr. Sidi who is also the Public Relations Officer for the association stated that the authorities promised to build enough toilet facilities for them, but “now we have to attend to nature’s call in shifts and if you cannot wait, you seek for free-range in the next available bush or drain”.
He said as a result of the pressure on the toilet facilities, “we have to spend money on toiletries to keep it clean”.
He added that aside from the toilet facilities not being enough, the major problem they were facing was water issues, stressing that “water is the major issue we have to deal with and when it happens like that, we have to wait for them to bring water”.
Mr. Francis Ameyibor, M-CODe Convener appealed to the various stakeholders to assist the traders with the necessary facilities as the poor conditions in the market have health implications not only for those there but can roll over to other parts of the country.
He said tour which was on the theme: “Open defecation is one of the most dangerous unhealthy behaviours – let’s join forces to end it now,” seeks to throw the searchlight on the country, just like all other countries.
Mr. Ameyibor said the adverse health effects of OD were many: acute effects include infectious intestinal diseases, including diarrheal diseases which are exacerbated by poor water supplies, sanitation, and hygiene.
He said it was against that background that the M-CODe was formed and launched in September 2018, with the support from World Vision Ghana, Kings Hall Media Limited, and Coalitions of NGOs in water and sanitation to help crusade against open defecation in Ghana.
The coalition’s principal objective is working to secure greater government commitment, prioritization, and increased investment in sanitation through a more aggressive policy influence and public sensitization.
GNA