By Frank Kwame Abbor
Ho, Sept. 9, GNA – Health and sanitation authorities in Ho have begun steps to prosecute a person allegedly involved in dumping human excreta in an open space between compound walls at Glala Street.
The incident occurred behind House No. 19 at Glala Street in the Central Business District (CBD) of Ho, where residents have raised concerns about the disposal of faecal matter and other waste in the area.
Mr Alfred Sewor, a retired teacher and resident of Glala Street, said the narrow portion of land between the compound walls had previously been used as a dumping ground, prompting him to seek intervention from Environmental Health Officers.
He said the officers had visited the area and warned those involved against using the space for indiscriminate waste disposal.
Mr Sewor told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that he later heard unusual activity behind his wall and, upon checking, saw two prison officers and four inmates at the location.
He said when he inquired about their presence, he was informed that they had been instructed to dispose of some debris at the site.
According to Mr Sewor, a large hole was subsequently dug, after which he observed some of the inmates allegedly depositing human excreta into it.
He said the activity stopped before the hole was completely filled, leaving the area uncovered.
Mr Sewor alleged that a water pipe was damaged during the activity and left unrepaired, adding that the situation had caused concern among residents.
He appealed to the relevant authorities to investigate the matter and take appropriate action against anyone found to have violated sanitation regulations.
Mr Roger Kwashie Adjei, Municipal Health and Sanitation Officer in Ho, confirmed the incident and said the Assembly had initiated steps to deal with the matter.
He said the person believed to be responsible had been invited by the authorities but absconded, prompting the preparation of a summons to compel him to appear before court.
Mr Adjei said the authorities had previously advised the individual on the need to provide and properly use a suitable septic tank for the disposal of human waste, but he allegedly failed to comply.
He cautioned residents against indiscriminate disposal of human excreta and other waste, saying such practices posed sanitation and environmental risks.
Mr Adjei advised anyone engaged in such activities to desist before enforcement officers took legal action against them.
The location is within the Ho CBD and was close to major public institutions, including the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, government ministries and the Ho Municipal Hospital.
The Municipal Health and Sanitation authorities said efforts would continue to ensure compliance with sanitation regulations and protect residents from practices that could undermine public health and environmental safety.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/George-Ramsey Benambaba