Residents of the Tamale Metropolis have been urged to practice regular hand washing as a daily habit to improve hygiene and prevent sanitation-related diseases.
They have been encouraged to construct toilet facilities in their homes to reduce open defecation and promote cleaner communities.
The Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Programme Director of the Catholic Relief Services Ghana (CRS), Festus Fofie, who made the call, pointed out that regular hand washing was crucial for preventing infections and protecting public health, especially in areas struggling with poor sanitation.
He explained that Tamale continued to grapple with major sanitation challenges such as open defecation, indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste and poor regulation of sanitation services.
Mr Fofie was speaking at this year’s Global Handwashing Day (GHD) commemoration in Tamale, held on the theme “Be a Handwashing Hero.”
The event was organised by the CRS in collaboration with the Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC) and its partners.
It aimed to raise awareness of the life-saving importance of hand washing with soap and water among residents of Tamale and nearby communities.
As part of the activities, the CRS donated several hand hygiene supplies, including five water tanks, Veronica buckets and gallons of liquid soap to three Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds — the Kootingly CHPS, the Banvum CHPS and the Sakasaka CHPS to support hygiene promotion at the community level.
Public health
Mr Fofie emphasised that hand washing remained one of the most cost-effective public health interventions for preventing infections.
He said while awareness of handwashing was generally high, many people still failed to put that knowledge into daily practice.
“Hand washing is not merely a ritual but a habit that saves lives. It represents dignity, respect for others and a strong barrier against disease,” he said.
The Northern Regional Coordinating Director, Sumaila Ewuntomah Abudu, commended the CRS Ghana for its continuous support and partnership in improving hygiene and sanitation in the region.
Mr Abudu, therefore, urged district assemblies, development partners, civil society organisations and private sector actors to work together to promote sustainable hygiene initiatives across the Northern Region.
Writer's email: mohammed.fugu@graphic.com.gh
