The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Daniel Titus Glover, says that addressing open defecation is the responsibility of local assemblies, not the regional minister alone.

The comment comes in response to a JoyNews documentary, "Filth Exhibition", which highlights the severe sanitation issues in various parts of Accra.

In the Aladuna community, nestled between the bustling neighbourhoods of Nima and Newtown in Accra, over 500 residents face a severe sanitation crisis. Open gutters filled with waste and the constant threat of flooding exacerbate their struggles, reminiscent of the devastating June 3rd, 2015 disaster. This situation underscores a story of neglect and desperation.

• Read also: JoyNews Filth Exhibition: Residents of Aladuna seek government intervention on sanitation crisis

Despite government promises to make Accra the cleanest city in Africa, reality shows unfulfilled commitments and ongoing struggles for basic dignity. For the residents of Aladuna, daily life is a constant fight against overwhelming waste and the ever-present danger of floods.

Minister Glover emphasised that the Chief Executive must take proactive measures, working alongside local assemblies to effectively address the issue of open defecation.

 Speaking on the JoyNews Am show, Mr. Glover said, "I can't do it all alone; they must be able to spearhead it, and I will come back and give them backing to make sure we do all this.”

Mr. Glover stated that addressing open defecation starts with providing public toilets.

 He emphasised that it is not feasible to prevent people from defecating on the beach without offering accessible public toilet facilities. According to him, this is the only effective way to stop open defecation.

 “I need to find, sanitation, what can you do and find out area spaces where we can construct these public toilets for them? Then it becomes successful when we drive them from the beach," he noted.