Decent toilets dignify homes and communities

Mrs Aba De-graft Johnson, Team Leader of the UNICEF/ Government of Ghana (GoG) Open Defecation Free (ODF) campaign, has called for all to prioritize the construction of household toilets.

These “provide privacy and add value to oneself, the home and the community”.

She was speaking during an engagement with members of the Zongo community in Ho.

She pointed out that the practice of open defecation did not only carry the risk of insect and reptile bites, but also exposed people in secluded places to harassments.

"Toilets must be as basic as accommodation, and there are lots to choose from that can meet the budget of every home and save its occupants indecent exposure", she added.

Alhaji Alfa Anas Hamidu, the Volta Regional Chief Imam, said the ODF campaign, encouraged the Ho main Zongo to build a "basic" toilet facility for the Hofedo Clinic at New Zongo.

Togbe Tsali IV, Chief of Abutia Kpota, said the Zongo communities had exhibited strong sanitation awareness, and asked that they continued to set the pace.

The ODF campaign is touring four community-led total sanitation implementing districts in the region - sensitising members of selected communities and schools.

This involves community engagements, drama and visual presentations.