Gabriel Kwabla Kwatsikor, Assembly Member for the Dziehe-Ablame Electoral Area, has made an urgent appeal for assistance to address persistent sanitation challenges confronting his communities.

Speaking during a recent visit by members of the Media Coalition against Open Defecation (M-CODE) to Anlo Afiadenyigba, Mr. Kwatsikor acknowledged the progress made since the government’s declaration of the first Saturday of every month as National Sanitation Day.

“Our sanitation issues have been a problem for decades, but we thank God that the government has instituted the first Saturday of every month as sanitation day nationwide,” he said.

He commended the positive response of the Afiadenyigba community to the initiative, citing strong participation in clean-up exercises.

Strict Sanitation Enforcement

The Assembly Member disclosed that local authorities have implemented strict measures to ensure compliance with sanitation initiatives.

“We now have a bylaw that mandates community members to take part in clean-up exercises every Sunday. Anyone who fails to participate will be sanctioned by the chiefs and elders, and persistent offenders risk court action and penalties,” he explained.

Despite these measures, Mr. Kwatsikor emphasised that inadequate resources remain a major obstacle to sustainable sanitation improvement.

“We lack the basic tools that will help us create the cleanest environment in Ghana,” he appealed, calling on individuals, organisations, and government agencies to provide equipment and support.

Open Defecation: A Critical Threat

Mr. Kwatsikor identified open defecation as the most pressing challenge affecting the communities.

“Open defecation is causing serious health problems. We need support to construct household toilets. Even 50 percent assistance would make a huge difference,” he said.

Tackling Environmental Hazards

Beyond sanitation, he revealed plans to construct proper enclosures for livestock, particularly pigs and other animals that roam freely. He also expressed concern about plastic pollution in local water bodies, warning that it endangers aquatic life and the wider ecosystem.

The community is exploring plastic recycling as a potential solution.

Part of WASH Week 2025

The M-CODE visit to the Volta Region was part of the 2025 Ghana Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Week, organised by the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Water and Sanitation (CONIWAS) in collaboration with M-CODE and other partners.

This year’s national theme is “WASH for a Healthy Ghana, Everyone, Everywhere,” while M-CODE’s complementary theme is “Dignity for All, Toilets for All: End Open Defecation Now.”

The coalition’s campaign included market sensitisation activities, clean-up exercises, and advocacy efforts in several communities, including Mepe, Anloga, Anlo Afiadenyigba, Ho, Keta, and surrounding areas.

Mr. Kwatsikor’s appeal underscores the need for stronger collaboration between government, civil society, and development partners to improve sanitation and eliminate open defecation in Ghana’s rural communities.