AMA launches project to end open defecation

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, has launched an initiative aimed at ending open defecation in the city.

The initiative, dubbed: “Reduced price household toilets”, is under the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area Sanitation and Water Project (GAMA-SWP).

It is to ensure that each household acquires a toilet facility to promote a clean and healthy environment.

With support from the World Bank and the AMA, the cost of the toilet structure, which initially was GH¢4,000, has been reduced to GH¢1,100 for a concrete block toilet and GH¢600 for an aluminium structure.

Residents are allowed to make an initial deposit of GH¢150 for a concrete block toilet and GH¢100 for an aluminium structure.

Open defecation

The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Mohammed Adjei Sowah, who launched the project in the Ablekuma Central Constituency yesterday, urged all to patronise the facility.

He said a similar project would be undertaken in all municipalities in the Greater Accra Region.

According to him, the project was launched at Ablekuma Central, specifically the Town Council Line, “due to reports of the increased practice of open defecation in this area”.

He expressed his determination to improve on the situation, saying: “Ghana’s position on open defecation stood at seventh worldwide and second in Africa and I will change that.”

Prosecution

He cautioned residents to desist from the habit of open defecation because “you will be prosecuted when public health officials see you in the act”.

“You also need to cut down on expensive accessories and focus on acquiring toilet facilities,” he MCE added.

He called on all traditional leaders and the public to support the initiative.

The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma Central, Mr Ebenezer Nii Narh Nartey, pledged to pay 50 per cent of the cost for the first 100 residents who would register for the facility.

He added that a three-storey library would also be constructed, while a sports changing room and an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) laboratory would be put up from his share of the MPs’ Common Fund.