The Effutu Municipality in the Central Region is grappling with a cholera outbreak, which has resulted in 356 reported cases and two fatalities, both of whom were children.

Currently, 15 individuals are hospitalised at the Winneba Municipal Hospital, and the rapid rise in cases has raised significant concerns among health authorities, prompting urgent calls for national intervention.

The acting Medical Superintendent at the Winneba Municipal Hospital, Dr Douglas Amponsah, expressed grave concern over the surge in cholera cases.

"The loss of two children to this disease is a devastating reminder of how urgent the situation is," he stated.

Dr Amponsah confirmed that 29 of the 356 reported cases have been officially diagnosed as cholera, with the remaining cases still under investigation.

He explained that the majority of the cases have originated from communities with poor sanitation facilities.

"Most of the affected individuals are from fishing communities, where sanitation is a major issue. In areas with better sanitation, there have been no recorded cases of cholera. This highlights the importance of improving sanitation to curb the spread of the disease," he said.

"The outbreak has particularly affected pregnant women and children, many of whom come from areas lacking proper waste management," Dr Amponsah lamented.

He also pointed out that children are especially vulnerable as they often play near refuse dumps, increasing their risk of contracting cholera.

“We must address these sanitation challenges urgently to prevent further spread,” he added.

In response to the growing outbreak, Dr Amponsah and local health authorities are calling for additional national support. "We are doing all we can with the limited resources available, but we need the national government’s assistance to provide the necessary tools and manpower to effectively combat this crisis," he emphasised.

James Kofi Annan, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Effutu, has also stepped in to support the community. Along with his supporters, he has donated hand sanitizers, face masks, tissues, and financial assistance to the Winneba Municipal Hospital.

“We cannot remain passive while our community suffers,” Mr Annan said. “We must unite and support our healthcare system in these challenging times.”

Mr Annan also voiced his concern, stating, “The 356 cases reported is alarmingly high, and I believe it has now reached epidemic levels. Immediate action is required to prevent further spread.”

He explained, "When I assessed the areas where the cases are concentrated, I noticed that in regions with better sanitation, there has not been a single case of cholera. Many of these areas are equipped with running water and proper toilet facilities, which significantly contribute to improved hygiene."

However, in areas where cases are rising, sanitation remains a major issue. "The situation is complex, especially in places where toilets are available but there is no running water, and where clogged gutters are facilitating the spread of cholera,” he added. “Water running through these areas creates breeding grounds for the disease, and children are often found playing in these unsanitary conditions.”

Mr Annan also observed that children in these areas tend to scavenge through refuse dumps, particularly in Sanko.

“I believe these refuse dumps are major contributors to the spread of cholera. We are committed to relocating these sites away from the community to eliminate the health risks they pose,” he said.

“We will conduct a clean-up exercise this week as part of an awareness campaign, and we will also utilise local radio stations to disseminate important information on cholera prevention and hygiene.”

He continued, "We have distributed tissues, hand sanitizers, and liquid soaps to address immediate needs. While we know these supplies may not be enough, I visited the headquarters of the Ghana Health Service yesterday. Unfortunately, I could not meet the Director-General as he was at Parliament."

"I will follow up and ensure we obtain the necessary resources to support our efforts. I am confident that with the clean-up campaign, we will see a reduction in the number of cases," he assured.

Mr Annan also promised, "I am committed to helping relocate the dumping sites in the fishing areas of Effutu Municipality, and I will organise regular clean-up exercises to prevent the further spread of cholera."

Despite the challenges, Dr Amponsah remains optimistic. "We are taking all the necessary steps, but we need full support from both the community and the national government to stop this outbreak and prevent further fatalities," he concluded.