"Open defecation, poor sanitation are fueling recent cholera outbreak in Ghana" - Health Minister

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has admitted that open defecation and poor sanitation are fueling the recent cholera outbreak in Ghana, despite government measures to control the disease.

Speaking to residents of Winneba during a campaign tour in the Central Region, Mr. Akandoh painted a troubling picture of the situation, warning that the outbreak could worsen if sanitation practices do not improve.

"I know some of you won’t do it, but to those who defecate openly and leave it in the community, this is one of the biggest causes of the disease. We must put an end to this practice," the minister stated, underscoring the severity of the problem.

Mr. Akandoh revealed that the government has rolled out a nationwide vaccination campaign to curb the spread of the disease.

The exercise has already commenced in Cape Coast in the Central Region and at Ablekuma in the Greater Accra Region, with Swedru expected to follow soon.

While urging the public to embrace the vaccination drive, the minister sought to dispel fears about the safety of the vaccine.

"The vaccine is not poisonous, harmful, or dangerous. I have taken mine, so there is no need to fear," he assured.

However, the outbreak’s scale and persistence raise concerns about the effectiveness of the government’s response.

Despite efforts to combat the disease, the rise in cases and the continued practice of poor sanitation signal that more needs to be done.

Public health experts have warned that without a drastic improvement in sanitation infrastructure and public compliance with hygiene protocols, the outbreak could spiral out of control.

Mr. Akandoh’s remarks highlight the urgent need for stricter enforcement of sanitation laws and a more aggressive public health campaign to address the root causes of the outbreak.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith