The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has said it is mobilising resources to districts in the Greater Accra region as it steps up efforts to prevent the spread of cholera.

Although the region is yet to record any serious cases, the GHS is making efforts at ensuring that if even there are any cases, it will not be grave.

The outbreak of the acute diarrhoeal disease has become an annual occurrence in the country, especially in the greater Accra region.

Last year, the country recorded about 591 cholera cases with five deaths in just five months.

A report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), indicated that the cases were recorded in 29 districts across eight regions over the period.  The Northern and Upper East regions were the only regions spared.

The largest cases of cholera were however recorded in 2014, where 28,975 cases with 243 deaths.

Greater Accra region seems to always be the leader in these outbreaks.

Director of Public Health at the GHS, Dr Badu Sarkodie told Joy News in an interview that measures being implemented have become crucial especially with the onset of the rains.

The unsanitary conditions in the capital, he added, is also something the Service is worried about.

He indicated that “Anytime the rain starts, there is the likelihood of diarrhoeal diseases including cholera coming up is high and that is why being proactive."

“We have confirmed one case earlier six weeks ago and it stayed at one. After that case we have mobilized resources at the regions, districts and communities,” he added.

He indicated however that there still is some amount of risk, saying, “The rains have just begun and it is still continuing so water bodies might be contaminated. The need for safe water in all areas is very critical.”

Dr Badu said all stakeholder agencies including the Ghana Water Company, local government agencies involved in environmental sanitation, district assemblies and community leaders to sensitize residents about the disease. 

“We need to heighten awareness for people to practice sanitary conditions,” he stressed.