Sanitation Minister urges Ghanaians to end open defecation

Sanitation Minister, Lydia Seyram Alhassan, has urged Ghanaians to end open defecation to tackle the recent cholera outbreak.

Speaking at World Toilet Day in Accra, she stressed the importance of every household owning a toilet, describing sanitation as a human right.

Open defecation affects 17.7% of Ghanaians, according to the 2021 census.

The minister highlighted government efforts like the ‘Toilets for All’ programme, which has doubled household toilet access to 25% since 2018.

She also urged public hygiene improvements to reduce cholera risks.

The event, themed “Toilets for Dignity, Health, and Safety,” called for better sanitation to ensure health and dignity, especially for women and children.