The Ho West District Assembly led by the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit on Saturday 19th November, 2022 celebrated the World Toilet Day at Akome Gbogame.
World Toilet Day is observed annually on 19th November to inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis and help achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.2: which ensures safe toilets for all by 2030.
This year’s celebration was under the theme: “Making the invisible visible” the impact of sanitation crisis on ground water.
The District Chief Executive of Ho West, Hon. Ernest Victor Apau in his speech said safely managing sanitation is key in the protection of our ground water since it serves as a major source of drinking water in the district. He stated that contamination of our ground water is a threat to human health and therefore called on all for collective action to address the situation.
He urged landowners to include toilet facility in their plan as its plays a vital role in limiting the spread of diseases. He also encouraged continuous support for communal labour in the various communities to ensure clean environment.
The DCE noted that he has begun “DCE’s Youth Hour” where he will educate the youth on been discipline in society through radio and community engagement.
The District Environmental Health Officer (DEHO), Mr. Daniel Kumah said the celebration is to sensitize people to take action towards ending open defecation and exhibit good environmental practices in their endeavors. He urged those not having household latrine in their homes to construct one to eradicate the menace.
The Paramount Chief of Akome, Togbega Debrah III who was the chairman of the occasion entreated residents to always keep their environment clean so as not to contract any disease. He also encouraged the students to be disciplined and learn hard to achieve their purpose.
Mr. Albert Julius Kpodonu, a retired Regional Environmental Health Officer advised parents to in bide in their children good sanitation practices at childhood. Through this, he indicated the children will grow to know the importance of keeping our environment clean.
Mr. Christian Agbesi, Special Education Coordinator took the opportunity to educate individuals present on HIV/AIDS and Covid 19.
There was a float on the principal streets of Akome Gbota, Akome Gbogame and Akome Agate as well as role play and poetry recital from students to educate members on the need to keep our environment clean.
Also present at the ceremony were the District Coordinating Director, Heads of Departments/Units, Environmental Health Officers, Assembly Member for the Electoral Area, Unit Committee Members, Sanitation Gaurds of the Assembly, media, students and the general public.
Source: ISD, HO WEST DISTRICT
