The Oti Regional Environmental and Sanitation Taskforce has prosecuted over 100 individuals in the Krachi East municipality for violating sanitation bylaws.

The offenders appeared before the Dambai District Magistrate Court on charges including indiscriminate refuse dumping, poor sanitation practices, and defecation in unauthorized areas.

The action comes amid a worrying rise in typhoid fever, with the Oti Region reporting over 23,000 cases in the first half of 2025, largely linked to unhygienic practices and contaminated water sources.

Patrick K. Gbafa, Regional Environmental Health Prosecutor, told Adom News that the prosecutions were necessary to curb the growing health risks posed by poor sanitation.

“These measures are not punitive for the sake of punishment,” he said. “They are meant to deter potential polluters and protect public health.”

Some offenders were fined between GH¢600 and GH¢840.44 (50 to 70 penalty units). Landlords without toilet facilities were ordered to construct them within three months or face possible prosecution.

Gbafa also noted that the Oti Regional Coordinating Council has developed a comprehensive environmental health and sanitation plan, which all municipalities and districts are expected to follow.

The Dambai District Magistrate, His Worship Alhassan Dramani, warned landlords and residents to take sanitation seriously, citing his own recent battle with typhoid as a cautionary example.

Charles Awuranyi, assembly member for Dambai Central, praised the task force for its intervention, emphasizing that prosecutions and penalties would deter individuals from neglecting personal hygiene.

He urged the magistrate's court to treat all offenders seriously to ensure the municipality maintains a clean and healthy environment.

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